The Trump administration launches an ambitious border security plan with 85 miles of new wall construction this year, aiming for 1,000 miles total while declaring the southern border situation an “invasion” requiring military deployment.
Key Insights
- Trump signed four major executive actions on January 20, 2025, declaring a “border invasion” and suspending migrant entry and asylum processes.
- The administration plans 85 miles of new wall construction this year, with goals for nearly 1,000 additional miles pending congressional funding.
- Border Patrol is implementing a comprehensive strategy including wall construction, buoy barriers in the Rio Grande, and military support.
- Illegal crossings in the San Diego sector have dropped from 451 per day in October to just 39 per day in March.
- Border officials emphasize that physical barriers must be paired with consistent law enforcement to be effective.
Trump’s Border Security Executive Actions
President Trump’s administration implemented a series of decisive measures on January 20, 2025, signing four major executive actions focused on border security. The cornerstone proclamation officially declared the situation at the southern border an “invasion,” effectively suspending migrant entry and asylum requests until authorities determine the crisis has ended. This proclamation specifically restricts migrants from using provisions within the Immigration and Nationality Act to claim asylum and requires comprehensive medical and criminal history information from those seeking entry.
The executive order titled “Securing Our Borders” reinstates the previously successful “Remain in Mexico” policy while limiting humanitarian parole programs. Additionally, it terminates the CBP One and CHNV parole initiatives, which experts suggest may increase pressure at the border by eliminating lawful pathways for protection seekers. The Department of Homeland Security, State Department, and Department of Justice have received clear directives to repel, repatriate, or remove migrants attempting to cross illegally.
Strategic Wall Construction Plans
Central to the administration’s border strategy is an ambitious wall construction initiative that targets critical crossing points. Officials have outlined plans for building 85 miles of new border barriers this year alone, with an ultimate goal of nearly 1,000 additional miles of wall pending congressional appropriations. Construction crews are already working to close gaps in existing barriers, such as in San Diego’s notorious “Smuggler’s Gulch,” while new projects focus on high-traffic crossing areas like Jacumba, California, which has been a major entry point for migrants including those from China.
“Our absolute intent is to build as much wall as we need to get the border under control” – Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks
Senator Katie Britt has introduced legislation allocating $25 billion specifically for border wall construction, demonstrating the legislative support the administration is seeking. Beyond physical barriers, the strategic plan incorporates innovative security measures including large blocking buoys in the Rio Grande, creating a comprehensive two-tiered defense system when paired with shoreline walls. Recent construction activities have been observed in multiple priority regions including along the Rio Grande in Texas and east of Yuma, Arizona.
Military Support and Operational Control
Two of President Trump’s executive actions directly involve military resources in border security operations. By declaring a national border emergency, the administration has prioritized border security in military planning and authorized the reallocation of Department of Defense funds for enforcement measures. This includes not only building barriers but also expanding detention facilities and providing logistics support. Officials indicate plans to deploy at least 10,000 troops to support the Department of Homeland Security in achieving operational control of the border.
“Operational control is what we are trying to achieve” – Jeffrey Stalnaker, San Diego Border Patrol Sector Chief
Early results from these policy changes appear significant. Border Patrol officials report that illegal crossings in the San Diego sector have plummeted from an average of 451 per day in October to just 39 per day in March. San Diego Border Patrol Sector Chief Jeffrey Stalnaker has emphasized achieving 100% situational awareness and detection of illegal crossings, a goal supported by the comprehensive security approach. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks has stressed that physical barriers alone are insufficient without consistent enforcement of immigration laws and consequences for illegal entry.
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’
