DHS Says New Security Milestone Reached On Border Under Trump – story-veterans.com

Administration officials say recent data showing declines in illegal border crossings and apprehensions reflect the impact of updated enforcement policies.

According to figures from DHS and CBP, daily apprehensions have fallen significantly compared to previous periods, and monthly totals along the southwest border have remained below 9,000 for more than a year.

Officials attribute the trend to a combination of stricter enforcement measures, expanded resources, and policy changes intended to deter unlawful entry.

With crossings at historically low levels, the administration has said its focus is now on maintaining those conditions and preventing a return to higher levels seen in prior years.

Scott was just confirmed to his post by the Senate earlier this week. Scott formerly served as Border Patrol Chief and currently commands the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) biggest enforcement department, which has approximately 65,000 workers.

CBP consists of two divisions: the Border Patrol, which is in charge of protecting the nation’s borders between ports of entry, and the Office of Field Operations (OFO), which is in charge of security at ports of entry.

Scott was confirmed on a 51-46 party-line vote, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed, which isn’t surprising given the highly partisan nature of American politics today.

Scott was forced out of his post as Border Patrol Chief during the Biden administration after opposing politically motivated changes at CBP. In April 2021, Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller informed Scott that the agency would use the phrase “undocumented immigrant” instead of the legally accurate “illegal alien.”

At the time, Chief Scott sent an internal memorandum to Miller arguing that, “The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) is and must remain an apolitical federal law enforcement agency…Despite every attempt by USBP leadership to ensure that all official messaging remained consistent with law, fact, and evidence, there is no doubt that the reputation of the USBP has suffered because of the many outside voices. Mandating the use of terms which are inconsistent with law has the potential to further erode public trust in our government institutions.”

After leaving the Border Patrol, Commissioner Scott remained a major advocate on the need to protect our borders, repeatedly calling for a return to Trump-era practices. In the autumn of 2021, he will begin working as a Distinguished Senior Fellow for Border Security at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Scott spoke in front of Congress on many occasions and made countless media appearances advocating for tougher immigration enforcement.

Along with Safe Third Country agreements and the Remain in Mexico program, which requires asylum applicants to wait in Mexico for court proceedings, Scott backed border wall building, which remains a top objective in a second Trump administration.

The CBP commissioner sounded a positive note following the Senate vote:: “I’m honored that the United States Senate has confirmed me, and I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Noem for their trust and unwavering leadership. I started my career on the front lines, and now I am ready to lead my CBP family with integrity and a clear mission to defend our sovereignty, enforce the law, and put America first.”