U.S. Coast Guard operations along the Rio Grande have intensified as part of a broader strategy to combat illegal crossings and illicit activities in the region. This increase in vigilance comes amid significant changes in migration patterns, with recent statistics indicating a sharp decline in encounters with illegal crossings compared to the previous year.
On a recent Monday, U.S. Border Patrol agents reported encountering nearly 220 individuals attempting to cross the border illegally, a stark contrast to over 1,800 encounters on the same day last year. This decrease is attributed to the enforcement measures initiated by the Trump administration, which has ramped up border security efforts.
The Coast Guard is now actively collaborating with Border Patrol agents, enhancing their presence with additional boats and personnel. "We are augmenting our Border Patrol partners in key areas along the Rio Grande," said Captain Torrey Bertheau, the sector commander for Corpus Christi. He emphasized the mission’s focus on detecting, deterring, and interdicting illegal migration and drug smuggling, highlighting the ongoing threat of smuggling operations despite the recent decline in crossings.
During an embedded operation with the Coast Guard, crews encountered a suspected cartel spotter positioned along the riverbank, a tactic commonly used by smugglers to monitor law enforcement activities. This incident underscores the persistent challenges that authorities face in maintaining border security.
Since President Trump took office, there has been a notable reduction in border crossings. Customs and Border Protection reported that 61,465 individuals were apprehended at the southern border in January, marking a 36% decrease from the previous month. This drop reflects the lowest levels of illegal crossings in decades. Nevertheless, Captain Bertheau cautioned that the area remains a high-threat zone, necessitating continued support for Border Patrol in their operations.
The Coast Guard’s efforts extend beyond the Rio Grande, with increased patrols along all Texas maritime boundaries. Recently, guardsmen in Port Isabel detained two individuals on a fishing boat, one of whom was in the country illegally, while the other was wanted on felony weapons charges.
Captain Bertheau concluded, "Whether the surge is happening or not, our goal is to ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the United States is protected." As the Coast Guard and Border Patrol continue their coordinated efforts, the focus remains on safeguarding the border while addressing the complexities of migration and smuggling activities in the region.