Since the arrival of several hundred active-duty soldiers in Del Rio, Texas, in late January, the U.S. southern border has experienced a surprising shift. Despite the increased military presence following President Donald Trump’s “invasion” declaration and his order to deploy troops, border crossings have sharply declined, leaving the soldiers with far less to do than anticipated.
Reports show that Border Patrol agents in Del Rio and nearby Eagle Pass have been apprehending fewer than 50 people per day, a stark contrast to 2023, when the Rio Grande saw as many as 5,000 migrants crossing daily. Nationally, unlawful border crossings have dropped to levels not seen since 2019.
With so few attempts at crossing, the big question on local minds is whether such a large military presence is still necessary. “We’re glad they’re here enjoying our city,” said Del Rio Mayor Alvaro Arreola. “Even if we haven’t received any information about their actual mission.” While the influx of military personnel has boosted the local economy, residents are questioning its justification.
The 400 soldiers stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base are tasked with reinforcing border barriers, assisting with intelligence on cartel activities, and addressing issues such as drug and weapon smuggling. Despite their presence, local law enforcement in Kinney County, once a hotspot for migrant smuggling, has reported a remarkable drop in activity. Sheriff Brad Coe described the situation as “so quiet it’s spooky. It feels like the calm before the storm.”
For the time being, Texas migrant shelters remain largely empty, with resources redirected to assist migrants in Mexico. Shelters like Casa del Migrante are feeling the pressure, now housing over 250 people, far beyond their capacity. But with U.S. policies still evolving under the new administration, many wonder if the current drop in attempted crossings is just the start of a more complex shift in migrant flows.
At the moment, border NGOs are redirecting their focus to Mexico, with some shelters shutting down due to the lack of incoming asylum-seekers. Meanwhile, migrants, particularly from Mexico, are left in uncertainty, with the future of U.S. policy hanging in the balance.
