Border Patrol Chief Emphasizes Challenges Ahead as Trump Border Czar Takes Charge
EXCLUSIVE: In a revealing interview, Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens expressed optimism about the incoming Trump administration’s Border Czar, Tom Homan, taking on the monumental tasks of deportations and enhancing border security. In particular, Owens identified the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as one of the principal threats facing the nation.
Insights from the Chief in San Antonio
Owens, who stepped into his role as Border Patrol Chief last year, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Griff Jenkins from San Antonio, Texas. This marks his first discussion on the topic since the recent electoral outcomes. When asked for his thoughts regarding Homan’s appointment, which brings a former Border Patrol agent and ex-ICE head into a pivotal position, Owens was enthusiastic.
“I’m excited because Tom Homan is a brother Border Patrol agent. He served time in this uniform. And so I’m excited to see any of our green family make good,” he stated. “And I’m excited to see what he’s going to do.” His optimism reflects a broader sentiment within the ranks of Border Patrol regarding Homan’s leadership capabilities.
A Response to Non-Compliance
Addressing concerns surrounding interior enforcement and deportations, Owens asserted, “What they represent is a consequence. They represent a consequence of not following our laws and coming into our country the right way.” This statement underscores the strict stance that both Homan and Owens are likely to take regarding illegal immigration and border security measures.
Tensions Between Administration and Border Patrol Agents
Amid changing administrations, friction has developed between the Biden administration and Border Patrol agents regarding the management of the southern border crisis. The Border Patrol union has openly criticized the current administration for its policies and lent support to the Trump campaign during the election, articulating the agents’ frustrations with the handling of border security.
Owens highlighted the challenges that have intensified over the last four years, describing the experience as “exhausting” for agents. Although recent data has shown a sharp decline in encounters at the southern border, he cautioned that the sustainability of this trend remains uncertain. The decline is partly attributed to a proclamation signed by President Biden that limits asylum claims.
Persistent Threats and Evolving Challenges
As the new administration prepares to tackle border security, Owens warned that drug cartels are adapting their strategies to exploit gaps in enforcement, particularly through the use of advanced technology. He specifically pointed to the rise of fentanyl and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as two paramount threats currently occupying the agency’s focus.
“It’s a very serious threat for us,” Owens remarked regarding Tren de Aragua (TdA). “It is one of our top priorities, just like fentanyl. Tomorrow it may be something else, but today it’s TdA and fentanyl that they represent some of the biggest threats to our people in this country.” The gang has been implicated in numerous violent crimes and has extended its reach across multiple states, including instances of apartment complex takeovers in Colorado.
Concerns About the Unknown
Compounding the risks, Owens noted the challenge of managing an estimated 250,000 known ‘gotaways’—individuals who managed to cross into the United States undetected. This figure raises concerns about the intentions of those who evade capture.
“We need to make them come to the front door,” he emphasized. “It’s that unknown, and what the intent is that scares me the most and probably any other law enforcement and border security professional that you’re going to ask out there.” The apprehension surrounding undocumented individuals who enter the country without proper vetting is a pressing issue for agents grappling with the complexities of border security.
The Importance of Effective Vetting
Owens elaborated on the difficulties faced in vetting migrants from nations lacking diplomatic relationships with the United States. The implications of this inadequacy raise significant security concerns about who is entering the country, leading to a nightmarish scenario of unmonitored individuals potentially posing threats.
“What keeps me up at night is not being successful, knowing that for every person that we miss, for every drug load that we miss, people’s lives are forever impacted,” he confided. “And in some cases, people can die. That’s something that none of us wants to see.” With these profound concerns, Owens encapsulated the precarious balance of ensuring national security while navigating the complexities of immigration and law enforcement.
The Road Ahead for Border Security
As the incoming administration gears up to implement its border security strategies, all eyes will be on Tom Homan and the changes he will bring to the table alongside Jason Owens. Past tensions may serve as a catalyst for reform, but the effectiveness of these policies remains to be seen. The Border Patrol’s focus on combating violent gangs and drug trafficking will undoubtedly be a priority, as will enhancing the vetting processes for migrants seeking entry into the United States.
The conversation about how best to safeguard the nation’s borders is far from over, and the potential implications for policy changes will be closely watched in the coming months.
