Trump speaks at the Detroit Economic Club

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly facing staffing issues, resulting in Border Patrol agents operating more in urban areas. Arrests at the border have dropped significantly to an average of around 280 per day from over 8,000 daily in late 2023. Border arrests are at a 60-year low, and ICE has allegedly struggled with staffing and operations, relying heavily on around 20,000 Border Patrol agents.

Trump greets the crowd at an event

While in Los Angeles, Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino said, “We’re here and not going away." Trump-backed legislation to expand ICE staffing has stalled, pushing ICE to depend on Border Patrol to reach its goal of 3,000 daily arrests.

Border Patrol agent arrests migrant in Texas

American Immigration Council Senior Fellow Aaron Reichlin-Melnick stated, “So long as the border remains relatively quiet, we will continue to see the Border Patrol deployed to act almost as if they are ICE agents.”

Border Patrol searches desert for migrants

Enforcement has focused within a 100-mile border zone, where agents can stop and question individuals without a warrant. The area includes about two-thirds of the U.S. population, including cities like Los Angeles.

Border Patrol agents discuss challenges faced

Reichlin-Melnick said, "The Border Patrol can still operate fully in the interior. It’s just that they have less authority to stop and question people." Reichlin-Melnick concluded, “People have somewhat heightened rights against search and seizure outside of the 100-mile zone."

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.