President Donald Trump has renewed his commitment to border security, with Vice President JD Vance announcing that the administration plans to complete the entire southern border wall by the end of Trump’s second term in 2029. During a visit to Eagle Pass, Texas, on Wednesday, Vance, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, emphasized the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement.
A Renewed Push for Border Security
Speaking alongside U.S. Border Patrol officials, Vance outlined the administration’s two-pronged approach: physical barriers and advanced technology.
“I think the president’s hope is that by the end of the term, we build the entire border wall,” Vance stated. “But we even heard today, there are so many good technological tools—AI-enabled cameras, drones, and sensors—that help us detect illegal crossings before they even happen.”
The administration’s hardline policies have already led to a sharp decline in illegal border crossings, reversing trends seen under the previous administration. “Border security is national security,” Defense Secretary Hegseth declared, emphasizing the importance of mass deportations and tougher enforcement measures.
Texas at the Forefront
The visit included a roundtable discussion with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who praised Trump’s leadership in tackling what he described as an “unprecedented border crisis.” Abbott emphasized Texas’ role in setting the standard for border security, stating, “With a partner in the White House, law enforcement at all levels can finally work together to defend our border.”
Abbott also highlighted the administration’s focus on deportations, detainment, and stopping drug trafficking. The fentanyl crisis remains a key concern, with officials blaming Mexican drug cartels for the surge in opioid-related deaths. The Trump administration has imposed strict tariffs on Mexican imports, applying pressure on the Mexican government to crack down on cartel activity.
Technology and Immigration Enforcement
Beyond the wall, the administration is integrating cutting-edge technology into border security. AI-powered surveillance tools are being deployed to track movement near the border, allowing authorities to intervene before migrants cross illegally.
“We’re using artificial intelligence to make us better at the job of border enforcement,” Vance said. “We’ve got to make sure this technology is deployed across the entire border, as broadly as possible, because that’s how we’ll protect the American people’s security.”
Looking Ahead
While Trump’s original border wall promise faced obstacles in his first term, the administration appears determined to see it through this time. With bipartisan tensions over immigration policy continuing to mount, the next four years will be crucial in determining whether the president can fulfill his long-standing commitment to border security.
For now, Trump’s allies are making it clear: the wall is back at the top of the agenda, and they intend to finish the job.
