Homeland Security Secretary Noem and Border Patrol Chief Assess Del Rio Operations
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens has confirmed a strategic site visit to the Del Rio, Texas sector, where he hosted Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. The delegation also included Retired Colonel Mike Gorby of the Texas National Guard. This high-level assessment focused on reviewing current operational capabilities and security measures in one of the nation’s busiest border corridors.
The visit comes at a pivotal time for the agency, as the Del Rio sector remains a focal point in the ongoing national debate regarding immigration enforcement and resource allocation. Secretary Noem, whose leadership at DHS has been characterized by a push for stricter border control measures, utilized the visit to inspect infrastructure and coordinate with frontline leadership. The presence of Retired Colonel Gorby is particularly notable, suggesting a continued or deepening alignment between federal Border Patrol operations and Texas state initiatives. Historically, the relationship between federal authorities and the Texas National Guard—mobilized under state-led efforts like Operation Lone Star—has been complex, often involving overlapping jurisdictions and differing rules of engagement.
While the visit aims to project a unified front on national security, the approach continues to face significant opposition. Immigration advocacy groups and humanitarian organizations argue that increasing the militarization of the border does not effectively deter migration flows driven by geopolitical instability and economic desperation. Critics maintain that enforcement-heavy strategies divert essential resources away from humanitarian processing and the adjudication of asylum claims, potentially exacerbating bottlenecks within the immigration system. Furthermore, legal observers have raised concerns regarding the integration of state military personnel in federal immigration matters, citing potential conflicts regarding constitutional authority and the long-term sustainability of state-funded border defense.
