Texas Border Business
By Victor H. Castillo
Donna, Texas – March 10, 2025- In a solemn flag-lowering ceremony Monday morning, the U.S. Border Patrol formally closed its temporary immigrant processing center in Donna, Texas, marking the end of more than four years of intensive border operations at the facility.
Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez of the Rio Grande Valley Sector presided over the ceremony, reflecting on the facility’s crucial role amid historic surges in illegal immigration. Initially intended as a temporary holding area during renovations at the permanent Centralized Processing Center in McAllen, the Donna facility quickly became a key operational site.
“At its peak, nearly 700 agents from across the nation worked tirelessly here, managing unprecedented numbers of migrants,” Chavez stated. “Nearly 611,000 illegal aliens, including more than 223,000 unaccompanied children, passed through this facility.”
The closure follows a dramatic 78% decline in illegal border crossings within the Rio Grande Valley, attributed by Chavez to the current administration’s enforcement policies and strengthened border security measures.
“This decrease allows us to redirect manpower toward our primary mission: safeguarding our borders,” Chavez explained. “The message is clear—illegal entries will not be tolerated.”
As the American flag was ceremonially lowered and carefully folded by agents, Chavez expressed profound gratitude to the City of Donna and its leaders, including Mayor David Moreno and Police Chief Gilbert Guerrero, for their steadfast partnership.
The facility, now quiet and empty, symbolizes both the challenges faced and successes achieved by border authorities over recent years.
“This chapter closes, but our commitment to border security continues stronger than ever,” Chavez concluded.
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