The United States is sending a strong message of deterrence at the southern border, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement John Torres told Newsmax on Thursday.

Torres, who led ICE from 2008 to 2009, appeared on “Finnerty” to discuss recent policy changes aimed at curbing illegal immigration and targeting cartels. He said the sharp decline in border crossings is a visible sign of strengthened enforcement measures.

“By designating cartels as terrorist groups and being able to focus on shutting down the border, you’re sending a strong message of deterrence that the American people can actually see now with border crossings down 95%,” Torres said.

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