Texas Border Business
By Victor H. Castillo
Donna, Texas – March 10, 2025- In a significant announcement marking a shift in border operations, Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez formally declared the permanent closure of the Donna Centralized Processing Center. This facility, initially established as a temporary solution during the renovation of the McAllen Centralized Processing Center, became a cornerstone of border management amid record-high illegal immigration rates in the Rio Grande Valley sector.
“Just over four years ago, the Rio Grande Valley sector established this facility to process and hold illegal aliens,” Chief Chavez said. “It quickly became a critical part of our operations, as the number of arrests far exceeded the capacity of our stations.”
At the height of operations, nearly 700 agents were stationed at the Donna facility, assisting with processing approximately 611,000 illegal aliens from 90 different countries. Among them were nearly 223,000 unaccompanied children and approximately 360,000 families. Chavez praised the tireless dedication and resilience of agents who came from across the United States to aid local personnel during the surge.
“I want to acknowledge the dedication and resilience of our border patrol agents,” Chavez said. “Their commitment, often lasting months, did not go unnoticed.”
The closure, Chief Chavez explained, is directly tied to a notable 78% drop in apprehensions across the 277-mile border sector, a direct outcome of the current administration’s stringent immigration enforcement policies.
“This decline in illegal migration between the ports of entry allows us to redirect manpower and resources toward our primary mission of border security and enhancing our frontline operations,” Chavez emphasized.
She underscored the strong deterrent effect of current border enforcement policies: “The message is clear. Anyone entering illegally between the ports of entry into the United States will be deported and removed, all the way to the southern border of Guatemala in Mexico.”
Chavez expressed gratitude to the city of Donna and its leadership, including Mayor David Moreno, City Manager Jorge Peña, Police Chief Gilbert Guerrero, and Fire Chief David Simmons, whose collaborative support was instrumental.
“Your partnership has been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate the collaboration that contributed to fulfilling our border security mission,” she said.
The Chief also recognized law enforcement partners, stakeholders, and thousands of dedicated individuals who worked at the facility over the years. “Your contributions have been crucial in navigating the challenges we faced, and your legacy will continue to inspire our efforts moving forward.”
In reflecting on the future, Chavez expressed optimism about continuing the robust border security policies initiated under President Trump, calling them “a powerful deterrent against illegal entries.”
“Together we will continue our enduring mission to safeguard the borders of our beloved USA,” Chavez concluded.
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