TUCSON SECTOR, ARIZONA – Under the blazing desert sun, Border Patrol agents Daniel Hernandez and Teresa Fast walk the line along a weathered section of the U.S.–Mexico border wall, describing how their daily mission has transformed since President Donald Trump returned to office.
“Just a few months ago, before the election and under the previous administration, our job was largely focused on processing detained migrants,” Hernandez told Fox News Digital. “That was once a small part of what we did—but it had become the bulk of our duties. Now, that’s flipped. We’re back to patrolling.”
Agents in the Tucson Sector, one of the busiest along the border, say the shift has been both dramatic and effective. According to Hernandez, 91% fewer illegal crossings have been reported in their area compared to last year. Nationally, the White House reports a 95% drop in illegal border crossings since April 28—figures officials credit to enhanced enforcement and consistent patrolling.
“If we ease off, we risk undoing all the progress we’ve made,” Hernandez said. “We can’t assume the border is secure—we have to ensure it, every single day.”
During a recent tour with Fox News, Hernandez and Fast pointed to the border wall as a key deterrent, saying that more robust infrastructure makes a significant difference in preventing crossings and allowing time for agents to respond.
“People think twice before climbing something this tall,” Hernandez said. “If they do, they’re exposed—our cameras catch them, or our agents spot them. The wall gives us time to intercept.”
Still, smugglers continue to find dangerous ways to breach the barrier.
“You’d be shocked what they’ll try—handmade ladders, stuff that puts people’s lives at risk,” Hernandez said. “They’ll always try to get around the system.”
Despite the hardline focus, agents emphasized the humanitarian side of their work. Tucson Sector Chief Sean McGoffin said the Border Patrol remains deeply engaged in life-saving efforts, often responding to abandoned or distressed migrants left behind by smuggling operations.
“The cartels treat people like cargo, not as human beings,” McGoffin said. “We try to restore some humanity—rescuing those who are left to die in the desert is something our agents do every day, even though it rarely makes the headlines.”
Fast added that the dedication of the agents is what drives border security more than anything.
“It’s the men and women of the patrol who make this work,” she said. “They miss birthdays, holidays, and family time, all to protect this country. That’s what makes the difference.”
