Introduction
In a significant development this Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the closure of the San Diego Sector Soft-Sided Facility, a migrant processing center established during the Biden administration. This move reflects the Trump administration’s intensified border enforcement policies, which have led to a notable decrease in illegal crossings along the southern border.
Decline in Migrant Apprehensions
CBP data indicates a substantial reduction in migrant encounters in recent months. In February 2025, the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) apprehended approximately 8,347 individuals crossing the southwest border between ports of entry, marking a 94% decrease compared to February 2024 . This decline is attributed to the Trump administration’s executive orders aimed at tightening border security and immigration enforcement.
Closure of Migrant Processing Centers
The decrease in illegal crossings has rendered several migrant processing centers unnecessary. CBP has begun dismantling tent structures in locations such as Laredo and Donna, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona. Only two of eight “soft-sided” facilities along the border will remain operational, including the one in San Diego . The closures are part of a broader strategy to reallocate resources and reduce operational costs, which previously ranged between $5 million and $30 million per month .
Impact on Non-Governmental Organizations
The policy shifts have also affected non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide services to migrants. Catholic Charities of San Diego announced layoffs of over 70 employees due to federal funding cuts impacting their migrant programs . Similarly, the San Diego Rapid Response Network, operated by Jewish Family Service, has paused its migrant shelter services after receiving no new asylum-seeking migrants since the Trump administration’s policy changes .
A recent poll indicates strong public support for the Trump administration’s immigration policies, including expedited deportations and the use of emergency powers to remove non-citizens linked to transnational crime. The administration’s actions have led to a significant increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, with a reported 600% rise compared to the previous year .
Conclusion
The closure of the San Diego migrant processing center underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to stringent border enforcement. While these measures have led to a decline in illegal crossings and reduced the need for temporary facilities, they have also impacted NGOs and raised questions about the long-term implications for immigration policy and humanitarian efforts.
Fact Check
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Claim: The San Diego Sector Soft-Sided Facility has been dismantled due to a decrease in illegal crossings.
Verdict: Partially True. While the facility’s closure is linked to reduced migrant encounters, it is one of several closures along the border, with some facilities remaining operational .homeland.house.gov+1adamisacson.com+1 -
Claim: CBP apprehended just 38 migrants per day in March 2025, a 96.4% drop from the previous year.
Verdict: Unverified. Specific daily apprehension figures for March 2025 are not publicly available. However, overall apprehensions have significantly decreased .U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionReddit+12Axios+12Wikipedia+12 -
Claim: Catholic Charities laid off 73 employees due to federal funding cuts.
Verdict: True. Catholic Charities of San Diego announced layoffs exceeding 70 employees as a result of federal funding freezes affecting migrant programs .adamisacson.com+13Catholic News Agency+13Axios+13 -
Claim: The Trump administration’s policies have led to a 600% increase in ICE arrests.
Verdict: True. ICE arrests have increased by more than 600% compared to the previous year, following the implementation of stricter immigration enforcement policies .adamisacson.com+14homeland.house.gov+14Axios+14 -
Claim: The San Diego Rapid Response Network paused its migrant shelter services due to policy changes.
Verdict: True. The network suspended its services after receiving no new asylum-seeking migrants, attributing the pause to changes in federal funding and policy .Reddit
