The U.S. Coast Guard has intensified its operations along the Rio Grande, responding to a surge in illegal crossings and illicit activities. This increase in enforcement comes as part of a broader immigration initiative under the Trump administration, aiming to bolster security along the southern border.
On Monday, U.S. Border Patrol agents reported encountering nearly 220 individuals attempting to cross the border, a significant decrease from over 1,800 during the same period last year. This drop reflects the impact of recent policy changes and heightened enforcement efforts.
Captain Torrey Bertheau, the sector commander for Corpus Christi, stated that the Coast Guard is augmenting Border Patrol operations in key areas along the river. "Our mission is to detect, deter, and interdict illegal migration, drug smuggling—really any kind of illicit activity," he explained. The Coast Guard is deploying additional boats and personnel to enhance their presence in the region.
The Coast Guard’s increased operations are not limited to the river itself; they are also stepping up patrols along Texas’s 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.
Despite the overall decline in border crossings, Bertheau emphasized that smuggling operations persist, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the area. "This is still a high-threat area," he cautioned, noting that the Coast Guard’s mission is to assist Border Patrol in critical regions.
The Coast Guard’s enhanced presence comes in the wake of significant drops in illegal crossings. In January alone, Customs and Border Protection apprehended 61,465 individuals at the southern border, marking a 36% decline from the previous month and the lowest levels of illegal crossings in decades.
As operations continue, local law enforcement remains vigilant. The Coast Guard recently encountered a suspected cartel spotter along the riverbank, a tactic commonly employed by smugglers to monitor law enforcement movements.
Bertheau reiterated the importance of maintaining the integrity and sovereignty of the United States, stating, "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 work together to address the complexities of border security, the situation along the Rio Grande remains a focal point of national concern, highlighting the ongoing challenges of illegal immigration and drug trafficking in the region.