The Trump administration’s border security efforts are poised for a resurgence in 2025, according to Mark Morgan, the former acting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner. Having overcome legal challenges and congressional opposition during Trump’s first term, Morgan believes the second term will see a more efficient and aggressive approach to securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Morgan, who played a key role in the construction of hundreds of miles of border wall and the implementation of policies like ‘Remain-in-Mexico’, predicts a continuation of strategies that combine consequences for illegal entry with deterrence. This means a renewed focus on preventing illegal immigration, targeting cartels to disrupt drug trafficking, and utilizing the border as the final line of defense.
He emphasizes the efficiency gains anticipated in the next administration. The Trump administration’s first term saw a significant effort to build infrastructure and establish policies, but these efforts were often hampered by legal challenges and congressional gridlock. Now, with a stronger legislative framework in place, Morgan envisions a more streamlined approach.
“We already had a series, really a network of tools, authorities and policies in place that were already tested. We knew they worked,” Morgan stated. “And equally important is they’d already gone through the continuum of lawfare.” He points to existing agreements like the Safe Third Country agreements and the Remain-in-Mexico policy, alongside the experience of mass deportations, as examples of this established framework.
With regards to border wall construction, Morgan expresses hope for a national emergency declaration, which would provide access to alternative funding sources and expedite the process. He highlights the existing infrastructure, contracts, designs, and materials, asserting that construction could proceed at a significantly accelerated pace.
The anticipated Republican control of both houses of Congress in 2025, coupled with the overwhelming victory of President Trump, could translate into a more supportive legislative environment for border security measures. Morgan believes that this could pave the way for permanent legislative reform, potentially replacing reliance on executive orders.
While Morgan declined to speculate on his own potential return to the administration, he expressed willingness and readiness to serve if called upon by President Trump. “There’s only one person that’s going to select his cabinet and that’s going to be President Trump,” he emphasized. “So to presume that any of us know exactly what those names are going to be, I think is misleading, we don’t. But look, if he asks, I’m able, willing and ready, and I’d be absolutely thrilled to be part of the next administration to get this country back on track and specifically secure our borders.”
