The Trump administration is building walls and deploying military forces in a sweeping strategy to secure America’s southern border, with plans that could expand to nearly 1,000 miles of new barriers.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration plans to construct 85 miles of new border wall in 2025, with potential expansion to 1,000 miles pending congressional funding.
- President Trump has declared a “national emergency” and “invasion” at the southern border, implementing four major executive actions to restrict migration.
- Illegal crossings in the San Diego sector have plummeted from 451 per day in October to just 39 per day in March under the new policies.
- A multi-layered defensive approach includes border wall construction paired with large blocking buoys in the Rio Grande.
- At least 10,000 military troops are being deployed to support border enforcement operations.
Comprehensive Border Security Executive Actions
On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration launched four major executive actions designed to halt the flow of migrants at the southern border. These actions include a presidential proclamation declaring an “invasion” at the border, suspending migrant entry and asylum requests until the emergency is resolved. The Department of Homeland Security, State Department, and Department of Justice have been tasked with the immediate repelling, repatriation, or removal of migrants attempting to cross the border illegally.
The executive order “Securing Our Borders” reinstates the “Remain in Mexico” policy and terminates humanitarian parole programs introduced by the previous administration, including CBP One and CHNV. Officials argue these programs created incentives for illegal migration rather than promoting lawful pathways. The administration has also directed military support for border operations, reflecting the seriousness with which it views the security situation.
New Wall Construction Underway
Construction crews are actively building border barriers in several key locations, including San Diego’s “Smuggler’s Gulch,” areas east of Yuma, Arizona, and along the Rio Grande in Texas. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks has confirmed plans to construct 85 miles of new border wall this year alone. This construction represents only the first phase of a much larger vision, as officials aim to add nearly 1,000 additional miles of barriers pending congressional approval of necessary funding.
“Our absolute intent is to build as much wall as we need to get the border under control” – Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks
In Jacumba, California, a previous hotspot for illegal crossings including many migrants from China, new barrier projects are already showing results. The San Diego sector, once overwhelmed with migrants, has seen dramatic reductions in illegal crossings. San Diego Border Patrol Sector Chief Jeffrey Stalnaker reports his sector is working toward achieving 100% situational awareness and detection of illegal crossings.
Multi-Layered Defense Strategy
The administration’s approach extends beyond traditional walls to implement a multi-layered defense system. Plans include expanding the deployment of large blocking buoys across the Rio Grande, complemented by walls on the shoreline to create a two-tiered security system. This strategy addresses critics who point out that physical barriers alone are insufficient to secure the border. Border officials emphasize that enforcement of immigration laws and consistent consequences for illegal crossings are essential components.
“If you’ve got laws that aren’t being enforced, or if you have an administration that refuses to allow the border patrol to actually enforce the law and provide a consequence, then walls by themselves don’t work” – Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks
Military involvement represents another layer in this defense strategy. The president has declared a national border emergency, directing the Department of Defense to reallocate funds for border enforcement, including barrier construction and detention facility expansion. Plans call for deploying at least 10,000 troops to support DHS operations, demonstrating a whole-of-government approach to achieving what officials call “operational control” of the border.
Congressional Support and Funding
The administration’s ambitious border security strategy will require substantial congressional support to achieve its full potential. Senator Katie Britt has introduced legislation to allocate $25 billion specifically for border wall construction, signaling potential legislative backing for the president’s initiatives. The administration is actively working with Congress to secure the necessary resources while crews focus on immediately filling gaps in existing barriers to address the most vulnerable sections of the border.
Early results suggest the administration’s approach is having an impact. Officials report that illegal crossings in the San Diego sector have decreased dramatically from an average of 451 per day in October to just 39 per day in March. This 91% reduction highlights the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts and physical barriers in deterring illegal entry, providing a model that the administration hopes to replicate across the entire southern border.
Sources:
- Forum Analysis: President Trump’s Executive Actions on Border Security
- Trump admin shares border plans for 2025 and beyond: ‘As much wall as we need’
