Kristi Noem announces major border wall update

Border Security Accomplishments & Recognition Ceremony – Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Border Security: The primary focus is the perceived improvement in border security under the current administration, contrasting it with the previous administration’s policies.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Characterization of the situation at the border under the previous administration as a “humanitarian crisis.”
• Law Enforcement & Patriotism: Emphasis on the dedication and patriotism of law enforcement personnel (CBP, ICE, Coast Guard, National Guard, local sheriffs) and the importance of enforcing existing laws.
• The Wall: The physical border wall is presented as a key component of enhanced security and a symbol of American strength.
• Fentanyl & Drug Trafficking: Reduction in fentanyl flow as a significant achievement.
• Newton Azarak Award: Recognition of exceptional bravery and service by Border Patrol agents.

I. Introduction & Acknowledgements

The speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to address the assembled personnel and celebrate one year of what is described as a “secure border and a secure United States of America.” She acknowledges the leadership of Paul, Rodney, Todd, and the Chief, as well as Tom Hman (Border Czar) and, most importantly, President Trump for his “guts and love of this country” in addressing what was characterized as the “greatest humanitarian crisis” in US history under the previous administration. The core solution presented is simple: “enforce the law” and prioritize American citizens.

II. The “Humanitarian Crisis” & Border Wall

The speaker emphasizes President Trump’s assessment of the previous situation as a “humanitarian crisis” caused by “open border policies.” She highlights the construction of a “big, beautiful wall,” specifically mentioning President Trump’s desire to paint it black for durability and symbolic strength. The speaker directly links the wall to long-term protection for future generations. She stresses the importance of recognizing the dedication of the individuals present – CBP, ICE, Coast Guard, law enforcement partners (Department of War, National Guard, local sheriffs), and community supporters who provided assistance to law enforcement families. Supporting law enforcement families is presented as crucial for effective performance.

III. Quantifying the Improvement – Eagle Pass & Brownsville Case Studies

The speaker details specific examples to illustrate the perceived improvement in border security.

• Eagle Pass, Texas (September 2023): The city faced a “state of emergency” due to over 10,000 illegal crossings in a single day, effectively doubling the town’s population and overwhelming local resources (medical facilities, businesses). This influx led to increased crime and economic disruption.
• Brownsville, Texas (recent visit): Farmers and ranchers reported issues like trespassers cutting fences, livestock being lost, homes being broken into, and the discovery of deceased migrants on their properties. Heat exhaustion and river crossings contributed to migrant deaths. The speaker contrasts this with the current situation, where ranchers now feel safe and drug cartel activity has decreased. Schools previously requiring protective barriers are now secure.

IV. Negative Consequences of Previous Policies & The Rule of Law

The speaker argues that the previous administration’s policies undermined the “rule of law,” sending a message that anyone could enter the country without consequence. This, she claims, attracted criminals, suspected terrorists, and facilitated human trafficking. She refutes the notion that allowing uncontrolled immigration is “compassionate,” arguing it was dangerous for both those attempting to cross the border and for American citizens. She cites the UN’s designation of the US-Mexico border as “the deadliest land route in the world.” A particularly harrowing example is provided: a father paying a smuggler $1,000, only to have his wife and daughter kidnapped for a $23,000 ransom, with threats of harm to the daughter.

V. Statistics & Achievements Under Current Administration

The speaker presents several statistics to demonstrate the perceived success of the current administration’s border security measures:

• Fentanyl Reduction: The flow of illegal fentanyl has been cut in half since President Trump took office, stopping 56% of the flow and saving “millions of lives.”
• Lost Children: 145,000 children lost during the previous administration have been located, with efforts continuing to find the remaining missing children.
• Crime Rate: The US has the lowest crime rate in its history, and the lowest murder rate ever recorded.
• Border Patrol Releases: For the last nine months, the Border Patrol has released zero illegal aliens into the interior of the country.
• CBP Encounters: Customs and Border Protection recorded the lowest number of encounters in the agency’s history in 2025.
• Daily Encounters: Daily encounters have fallen by 95% over the last year (from over 5,100 per day under the previous administration to less than 250).
• Drug Seizures: CBP seized over 600,000 pounds of illicit drugs in 2025.
• Fentanyl Deaths: Fentanyl deaths have decreased by 30% in one year under President Trump.

VI. Newton Azarak Award Ceremony

The speaker transitions to an award ceremony recognizing exceptional bravery by Border Patrol agents:

• Agent Jack Gamblin: Awarded for neutralizing a homicide suspect who was actively firing at him while speeding in a vehicle, demonstrating exceptional courage under fire.
• Agents Brandon Fleming & Bryce Gundry: Awarded for selflessly diving into a burning vehicle to rescue trapped civilians, risking their own lives.

VII. Concluding Remarks & Call to Action

The speaker concludes by reiterating the importance of law and order, emphasizing that a country without borders is “no country at all.” She credits President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of law enforcement for the positive changes. She invokes John Adams’s quote about a “government of laws, not of men,” contrasting it with the perceived disregard for the law during the previous administration. She expresses optimism for the future, emphasizing the need to continue investing in technology, personnel, and resources to maintain border security. The final statement, “2026, here we come,” signals continued commitment to these policies.

Technical Terms & Concepts:

• CBP (Customs and Border Protection): The primary agency responsible for securing US borders.
• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): Agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the US.
• Newton Azarak Award: An award recognizing exceptional bravery and service within the Border Patrol.
• Smugglers/Cartels: Criminal organizations involved in facilitating illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
• Vetted/Unvetted: Refers to the process of background checks and security screenings for individuals entering the country.

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