Key Facts

• DHS reassigned at least 200 Border Patrol agents from other border areas to Laredo, Texas, on 30-day volunteer deployments.
• The Laredo border sector is bordered entirely by a river, with no natural barriers to slow illegal crossings.
• Officials use sensors, cameras, and technology to detect people crossing illegally and track those who avoid apprehension, called "gotaways."
• This action responds to an increase in illegal crossings in certain areas despite an overall decline in border apprehensions.
• DHS reports that unlawful crossings at the southern border have fallen to their lowest level in over 50 years.
• In March 2024, there were 8,268 Border Patrol apprehensions, 90% lower than the 33-year monthly average.
• The current administration’s policies have led to 11 months with zero releases of detainees at the border.
• The House Homeland Security Committee noted over 10.3 million encounters nationwide during the Biden-Harris administration, with most occurring at the southwest border.