The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is set to remove five soft-sided facilities (SSFs) along the U.S.-Mexico border due to a significant drop in apprehensions of migrants. This decision comes after a decrease in nationwide apprehensions to about 330 per day in February, following changes to border security by President Donald Trump. The CBP cited the end of the CBP One program as a reason for the decline in encounters at the border, resulting in the lowest numbers in 25 years.
The SSFs were initially used to process and care for migrants crossing the border illegally, including unaccompanied children. With the decrease in encounters, CBP has decided to close three SSF sites in Texas and two in Arizona, with sites in California and El Paso remaining open. The removal of these facilities is expected to save between $5 million and $30 million per month at each location.
Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores stated that the reduction in apprehensions is a result of President Trump’s leadership, allowing CBP to redirect resources towards other priorities. With agents returning to their primary enforcement duties along the border, the closures of these facilities mark a significant shift in the ongoing border security and humanitarian efforts.
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