In 1954 barely 1000 Border Patrol agents arrested over 1million illegal aliens. It’s not so much about numbers as it is about will.
The illegals were terrified of U.S.B.P. back then because they knew you didn’t go up against them.
Now...they know they can pull a stunt like using suppressive fire with a .50 cal....and no one shoots back.
In 1954, the greasers knew to be cooperative and respectful to the Border Patrol or they would get asskicked and the BP agent wouldn’t fear criminal prosecution.