Eagle Pass Sees Reduced Illegal Crossings Under Trump’s Administration

Eagle Pass, Texas, once a focal point for illegal immigration, has become markedly quieter during President Donald Trump’s time in office, according to a recent report.

CBS chief correspondent Matt Gutman noted that while illegal immigration surged under the Biden administration, it’s now reported to be at a 55-year low. Eagle Pass, in particular, was frequently mentioned as a hotspot for such activities during Biden’s presidency.

“In Texas, there’s a distance of water separating the U.S. from Mexico. While I was on the Rio Grande with Border Patrol, I didn’t observe any migrants,” remarked CBS reporter Camilo Montoya Galvez. He highlighted that just a few years ago, this area was in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis.

Previously, Montoya-Galvez recalled seeing hundreds of migrants, including families with young children, crossing the Rio Grande unlawfully. In contrast, the current situation is quite different. He pointed out that local Border Patrol officials are now only apprehending about 32 individuals daily.

Anthony Good, the chief patrol agent for the Del Rio area, attributed this shift to President Trump’s crackdown on the asylum system, which had been previously exploited. He noted, “Under the last administration, many folks were released into the country on parole without significant checks.”

When asked if individuals were being detained or deported now, Good confirmed, “That’s correct.” He explained that the current policies are resulting in people facing detainment or removal.

The local fire chief expressed that he had never witnessed the border so quiet, stating that undocumented immigrants seem deterred from crossing due to the prevalent message: “If you come here, you’ll be deported.” He also compared the present situation to the past, noting a drastic decrease in drownings from would-be crossers, attributing it to stricter enforcement.

CBS also spoke with a rancher who recalled the numerous immigrants trespassing on his land and questioned the backlash against Trump’s immigration policies. When asked about criticisms regarding harsh measures, the rancher stated, “If enforcement is being done legally, then it should be rigorous.”

In a commentary on the coverage, a Conservative Media Watch editor commended CBS for its balanced reporting, noting that presenting both sides of the story aligns with accurate reporting.