U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun closing temporary processing facilities along the southwest border, following a significant decrease in border apprehensions. This move comes after executive orders issued by President Trump on January 20 led to historically low apprehension rates, resulting in savings of between $5 million and $30 million per month for each facility.
"Due to the unprecedented drop in apprehensions of illegal aliens as a result of President Trump's leadership, CBP is reducing the number of temporary, soft-sided processing facilities where illegal aliens have been held in specific locations along the southwest border," said Pete Flores, Acting CBP commissioner. "CBP no longer has a need for them as illegal aliens are being quickly removed."
In February, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) nationwide apprehensions averaged about 330 per day, marking the lowest average in CBP history. Apprehensions at the southwest border fell below 300 daily.
The agency plans to close facilities in Donna, North Eagle Pass, and Laredo, Texas; Yuma and Tucson, Arizona; while those in San Diego, California and El Paso, Texas remain operational. USBP will manage detainees within its permanent facilities while adhering to custody standards.
Closing these facilities allows agents to return to primary enforcement duties and redirects savings toward other priorities to enhance control over the southwest border. CBP will maintain necessary medical and caregiver support contracts for detained individuals but will reduce contracted services aligned with facility closures.
CBP is America's largest law enforcement organization tasked with protecting borders on land, air, and sea while facilitating lawful travel and trade. The agency aims to ensure national security through innovation and collaboration.
