As construction progresses at an impressive rate of half a mile daily along the extensive nearly 2,000-mile border, recent months have seen a dramatic decline in border crossings, which officials assert is a direct result of the intensified immigration enforcement under the current administration. During a press meet in New Mexico, Secretary Noem emphasized the practicality of the color choice, indicating that the black paint would further increase temperatures on the wall, thereby reinforcing its climb resistance.

In addition to wall enhancements, plans for "waterborne infrastructure" along the Rio Grande were discussed, although specific details remain under wraps. This comes as Texas continues to implement various security measures along the river, including floating barriers and fortified fencing, with an increased presence of local law enforcement.

The impact of these measures is notable; July statistics indicate that border crossings plummeted to around 4,600, marking a staggering 92% reduction against previous figures during the Biden administration, where detentions peaked at approximately 6,000 individuals per day. In total, the Trump administration has reportedly seen approximately 1.6 million undocumented immigrants leave the US within the first 200 days of its tenure. Yet, immigration advocates caution that aggressive enforcement strategies may ensnare individuals with minor offenses alongside those with serious charges, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications of such policies. Meanwhile, White House officials maintain that enhanced border security and mass deportations have positively affected the significant decrease in migration at the US-Mexico border.