US border crackdown slashes illegal crossings by 85% with walls, troops, and AI
The US border protection strategy has undergone major changes since 2020, with stricter measures now in place along the US-Mexico border. Under the Trump administration's return to power in 2025, plans include expanded walls, more troops, and advanced surveillance—cutting illegal crossings by 85% from 2024 levels.
One recent shift involves Big Bend National Park, where wall construction plans have been replaced with detection technology instead.
Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) updated its online map of the president's border wall projects. The route through Big Bend National Park, previously marked for construction, now shows only 'detection technology' as the planned solution. Local outlets like the Houston Chronicle had earlier reported this adjustment.
The change reflects CBP's focus on high-traffic zones. Big Bend sees far fewer crossings than other border areas—just 734 people entered there in 2021, compared to over 27,000 along the entire border. Officials have not confirmed whether a physical wall could still be built in the park later. Beyond Big Bend, the broader border strategy has intensified. By early 2026, around 700 extra miles of wall will bring the total to over 1,000 miles. Over 10,000 National Guard troops have been deployed, and AI surveillance towers now monitor key regions like Texas and Arizona. These measures have slashed illegal crossings by 85% since 2024, according to CBP's March 2026 reports.
The updated border plan prioritises technology and enforcement in low-traffic areas like Big Bend. With walls, troops, and AI systems now covering high-risk zones, illegal crossings have dropped sharply. CBP continues to adjust its approach based on real-time data and operational needs.
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