The mission started last June as a way for soldiers to help stressed U.S. Border Patrol agents to help keep illegal immigrants out.

According to Agent Martin Hernandez of the U.S. Border Patrol, the Deming area is now experiencing a decrease of 61 percent of illegal immigrants coming through the corridor compared to last year.

"The media's putting out how saturated the area is and how much technology we're getting," said Agent Hernandez.

Hernandez suspects that could be a factor in the decrease. But miles of vehicle and barrier fencing along the border also may have contributed to slowing the flow of immigrants.

High-tech equipment managed by hundreds of guardsmen deployed to the border is also proving effective in keeping out illegal activity.

Although June 2008 is the projected end date for the guardsmen to leave the border, high-ranking military officials said the operation could be extended until President George W. Bush and the Congress can come up with immigration reform.