In a joint effort with Border Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard has intensified its presence along the Rio Grande, deploying additional boats and personnel to curb illegal immigration and smuggling. This operation comes as part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated by the Trump administration.
Captain Torrey Bertheau, Sector Commander for Corpus Christi, stated that the Coast Guard's objective is to detect, deter, and intercept illegal crossings, drug trafficking, and other illicit activities along the river. During a recent patrol, the crew encountered a suspected cartel lookout, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement.
While apprehensions at the southern border have decreased significantly since January of the previous year, Captain Bertheau stressed that smuggling operations persist, making the Rio Grande a high-threat area. The increased Coast Guard presence aims to support Border Patrol in critical zones.
Beyond the river itself, the Coast Guard has also amplified patrols along all Texas maritime borders. Last week, two individuals were apprehended near Port Isabel on a fishing vessel – one for being in the country illegally and the other on felony weapons charges. Captain Bertheau emphasized the Coast Guard's commitment to safeguarding U.S. territorial integrity and sovereignty, regardless of fluctuation in border crossing numbers.
