"End to Border 'Invasion'": Trump declares historic low in illegal crossings

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the surge of illegal immigration at the U.S.–Mexico border has been halted, following a historic decline in apprehensions during February, his first full month in office.

According to newly released data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol agents recorded just 8,326 apprehensions last month—the lowest monthly total in recorded history. This marks a dramatic contrast to the previous administration, during which CBP reported as many as 300,000 apprehensions in a single month.

Strict Border Policies Credited for Decline

Trump attributed the sharp drop in illegal crossings to his administration’s aggressive enforcement measures. “The month of February, my first full month in office, had the LOWEST number of Illegal Immigrants trying to enter our Country in History – BY FAR!” he stated on Truth Social.

On his first day in office, Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at tightening border security. These included ending the “catch and release” policy, shutting down the CBP One app used for asylum parole, and pressuring Mexico to deploy 10,000 troops to curb drug trafficking and illegal migration.

Additionally, Trump declared a national emergency at the border, escalated deportation efforts, and issued an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants.

“Thanks to the Trump Administration Policies, the Border is CLOSED to all Illegal Immigrants,” Trump wrote. “Anyone who tries to illegally enter the U.S.A. will face significant criminal penalties and immediate deportation.”

Department of Homeland Security Supports Tougher Measures

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem reinforced the administration’s firm stance. “The world is hearing our message: do not come to our country illegally. If you do, we will find you, arrest you, and send you back,” Noem wrote on social media. “We’re just getting started.”

Despite the significant decline in border crossings, Trump’s policies have sparked legal challenges. A group of Quaker congregations recently filed a lawsuit against DHS, claiming the agency’s arrest practices violate religious freedom by detaining undocumented individuals attending religious services.

Additionally, multiple federal judges have issued temporary injunctions against Trump’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, with the administration vowing to appeal.

Border Security Remains Key Political Issue

Immigration remains a top policy concern, second only to economic issues such as inflation. The Biden administration’s handling of border security was a focal point in the 2024 election, and Trump’s swift executive actions have been met with both support and opposition.

In another move aimed at curbing incentives for illegal immigration, Trump recently signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to identify and eliminate programs that provide financial assistance to undocumented immigrants.

“With this Executive Order, President Trump is ensuring taxpayer resources are used to protect the interests of American citizens, not illegal aliens,” a White House fact sheet stated.

DHS also announced that all undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S. must register with federal authorities or face fines or imprisonment. The measure is designed to streamline deportation efforts and reduce the strain on enforcement resources.

Increased Interior Arrests and Immigration Estimates

The administration has also ramped up interior enforcement. DHS reports that over 20,000 undocumented individuals were arrested in the past month, compared to approximately 33,000 during President Biden’s final full year in office.

Estimates of the total undocumented population in the U.S. vary widely. The Department of Homeland Security estimated the figure at 11 million as of January 2022, while the Center for Immigration Studies placed it at 12.3 million in May 2023. The Federation for American Immigration Reform suggested a higher figure of 16.8 million in June 2023.

Trump has speculated that the actual number could be as high as 21 million, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a May 2024 interview with NBC News, suggested it could reach up to 30 million.

As the administration continues its enforcement measures, debates over immigration policy remain a central issue in American politics.