U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is dismantling temporary soft-sided facilities (SSFs) along the southwest border, crediting President Trump’s January 20 executive orders for slashing illegal migrant apprehensions to historic lows.
The closures, starting in early March, will save taxpayers $5 to $30 million monthly per site, with facilities in Donna, North Eagle Pass, and Laredo, Texas, plus Yuma and Tucson, Arizona, set to shutter.
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“President Trump’s leadership triggered an unprecedented drop in apprehensions,” said Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores. “We no longer need these facilities as illegal aliens are being quickly removed.” February saw nationwide Border Patrol apprehensions plummet to an average of 330 daily—the lowest in CBP history—with southwest border numbers dipping below 300 per day. Permanent facilities can now handle detainees, freeing agents from SSF duties to bolster frontline enforcement.
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San Diego and El Paso SSFs remain operational, but the closures redirect resources to tighten border control. “Manpower and savings will speed CBP’s progress,” Flores added.
Contracts for medical and childcare support will scale back to match reduced needs, ensuring fiscal responsibility. With Trump’s policies in full swing, CBP is shedding its tent-city past to fortify the frontier.
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