RAZOR-SHARP BORDER

The San Diego Border Patrol sector now features a dramatically more imposing and dangerous appearance following the installation of multiple rows of razor wire designed to deter climbing attempts through visible intimidation.

Vicente Calderón, Tijuana Press – With permission

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The sophisticated two-tier concertina wire system, featuring triple strands positioned at strategic heights, has transformed the border wall’s appearance into what officials describe as a deliberately threatening obstacle. While border construction continued during Joe Biden’s presidency, Trump’s return to office has marked a significant escalation in defensive measures that prioritize both functionality and psychological deterrence.

The installation features multiple rows of barbed and razor wire that make climbing attempts far more dangerous for migrants, with the hazardous wire already causing serious lacerations to those attempting illegal crossings. The layered obstacle design positions triple strands of concertina wire 5 feet from the top of the 18-foot primary barrier and 2 feet above ground level.

Alongside the physical barriers, advanced surveillance technology and increased military presence have created a multi-layered security approach. As one Task Force Sapper official noted, “We cannot prevent all crossings with our obstacle; it has to be paired with the activities and the mission that the U.S. Army is doing with their monitoring and detection.”

The 500-person Marine and Navy unit completed their deployment in July, having installed 58 miles of concertina wire specifically in the San Diego Border Patrol sector and blocked over 20 tunnels during their six-month operation under Joint Task Force-Southern Border and U.S. Northern Command direction. The data was published on the Northern Command and other military websites.

“According to USBP, the El Paso and San Diego sectors have the highest numbers in illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border,” said Lt. Col. Tyrone Barrion, Task Force Sapper’s commanding officer, “therefore, our mission is to make sure the barrier reinforcement obstacle reduces the probability and possibility of illegal crossings.”