Big Bend Sector tightens border security with tech and horse patrols amid rising crossings

The Big Bend Sector, covering nearly a quarter of the US southwest border, has seen major changes in recent years. Under different administrations, it introduced new security measures, from horse patrols to advanced vehicle barriers. The area also recorded a surge in illegal news crossings in 2023, alongside technological upgrades to improve surveillance and safety.

During the Trump administration, the sector strengthened border security with new policies and detection tools. Illegal news crossings dropped significantly at the time. One notable addition was Dolly, the first horse born into the sector’s horse patrol detachment.

In 2021, the sector launched an aerostat near Sanderson to provide round-the-clock surveillance. This move aimed to boost monitoring of the vast area, which spans 77 Texas counties and all of Oklahoma. Under the Biden administration, the sector faced record numbers. Nearly 12,000 illegal news crossings were recorded in 2023, with over 9,100 gotaways. Despite this, new technology continued to roll out. The latest upgrade came with the GRAB 350, a semi-autonomous vehicle barrier system. Deployed first at the Sierra Blanca checkpoint, it combines a retractable barrier with an in-ground tire-shredding mechanism. The system targets high-speed vehicles, reducing chases, crashes, and risks to agents. The checkpoint itself processes thousands of vehicles daily, playing a key role in stopping illegal activity and narcotics from reaching cities.

The Big Bend Sector remains a critical area for border security, balancing rising illegal news crossings with technological advancements. The GRAB 350 and aerostat systems aim to improve safety and control, while the checkpoint at Sierra Blanca continues to monitor heavy traffic. These measures reflect ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving challenges along the border.