Significant decrease in illegal border crossings in Texas’ Big Bend sector

Dec. 5 The number of people attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally in Texas Big Bend region has fallen dramatically over the past two years, according to the Trump administration. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that apprehensions in the 517-mile sector decreased from 11,823 in fiscal year 2023 to just 3,096 in fiscal year 2025, representing a 74% drop.

Lloyd M. Easterling, chief patrol agent for the Big Bend Sector, credited the reduction to strong border policies and the dedicated work of agents, support teams, and partners such as the Department of Defense and the Texas Military Department. The personnel of Big Bend Sector demonstrate expertise, determination, and compassion while carrying out their duties in some of the countrys most challenging terrain, Easterling stated.

Across the United States, border encounters have also declined considerably. CBP data show 30,573 encounters in October this year, down from 142,742 in October last year. Nationwide apprehensions at border entry points totaled just under 10,000.

CBP highlighted that effective border security strategies, along with improved detection and identification technologies, have helped reduce illegal crossings. In the Big Bend Sector, officials noted that enhanced enforcement powers, the cessation of certain catch-and-release practices, and the deployment of autonomous surveillance towers and other monitoring systems have contributed to the drop.

The Trump administration has implemented stricter immigration enforcement nationwide, including in major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and New Orleans. Additionally, the State Department recently expanded a visa-restriction program, initially introduced during the Biden administration, targeting private transportation providers involved in illegal immigration. This measure allows the department to deny or revoke visas for foreign officials and others facilitating unlawful crossings.

Author: Natalie Monroe