The coronavirus pandemic has triggered an unprecedented chain reaction of border closures around the world. This truly is an extraordinary situation, and many countries have also grappled with lack of information, resources and coordination between relevant agents and authorities. These operational issues have raised questions globally about whether border controls are effective in containing such outbreaks, how prepared border agencies were for the emergency and what this will mean for border management in a post-pandemic world. 

The U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), San Diego Sector, has named Aaron Heitke as its newest Chief Patrol Agent (CPA). 

Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2), Chairwoman of the Oversight, Management and Accountability Subcommittee, and Ranking Member Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-2) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve border security through enhanced detection technology at land ports of entry.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced $15 million in federal Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG) funding to increase operational capabilities of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies along the border.

National Guardsmen posted to the Mexico border will provide added aerial surveillance to border security efforts.

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, has launched a pool of experts who will support the return of migrants across the EU.