California border encounters exploded from 98,049 (FY 2019) to 525,260 (FY 2024)—a 436% increase. San Diego sector alone saw 324,260 encounters, up 458% from 58,049. As Texas cracked down with Operation Lone Star, San Diego became the "new epicenter" of the border crisis. In December 2023, CBP saw 302,000 encounters nationwide—17% at San Diego alone.