Trump Highlights Major Drop in Illegal Immigrant Encounters During His First Month in Office

President Donald Trump took to social media recently to announce significant changes in immigration enforcement since he took office. He reported that U.S. Customs and Border Protection registered only 8,326 apprehensions of illegal immigrants in his first complete month as president, marking a record low.

In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump celebrated the drastic reduction in illegal immigration, referencing the quick removals or legal prosecutions of individuals apprehended by Border Patrol. According to him, these measures illustrate a new approach to immigration enforcement under his administration. The dramatic drop in apprehensions stands in stark contrast to the previous administration, where 301,981 encounters occurred at the southern border just one month prior.

Comparison of Apprehension Numbers

Trump’s first month in office saw an impressive 96 percent decrease in illegal immigrant apprehensions compared to the peak numbers documented in December 2023 under President Biden. He emphasized this stark contrast in statistics to assert the efficacy of his administration’s policies.

“This demonstrates that very few people entered the country illegally — The Invasion of our Country is OVER,” Trump stated. He added that while his administration is focused on stringent border protection, the prior administration allowed approximately 300,000 illegal crossings in December alone and released nearly all offenders into the country.

Enforcement Actions and Results

In fiscal year 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported 271,484 removals, while the Department of Homeland Security indicated approximately 700,000 removals and returns — the highest number recorded since 2010. This robust enforcement stems from the current administration’s commitment to reversing lax immigration policies.

During the Biden administration, there were numerous days that saw illegal immigrant apprehensions soar to nearly 10,000, far exceeding the numbers reported during Trump’s first month. Such figures showcase the ongoing challenges surrounding border security and immigration management.

Executive Actions Driving Change

The achievements attributed to the Trump administration stem from executive actions and enhanced messaging regarding immigration rather than passing new border legislation. The President reinforced his stance on tough immigration policies with statements declaring that anyone attempting to enter the U.S. illegally will face severe penalties and immediate deportation.

After making border security a central campaign promise, Trump signed several executive orders aimed at declaring a national emergency at the southern border. These measures included the deployment of U.S. military forces to manage illegal immigration and confront emergent threats effectively.

Additionally, significant orders resulted in ending birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants, halting refugee admissions, and suspending the use of an application designed to expedite humanitarian admissions at the border. An important move was to resume construction of the controversial border wall, which has been a focal point in discussions about strengthening border security.

Deployment of Military Resources

The Pentagon played a critical role in border security, sending troops to the southern border and facilitating further support through Guantánamo Bay. This deployment reflected a comprehensive strategy aimed at managing the surge of illegal crossings.

Apart from restoring tougher immigration laws, the current administration also rolled back restrictions placed by the Biden administration on Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These changes empowered law enforcement to operate in sensitive localities and expedited the removal process for undocumented immigrants.

Interior Arrests and Impact on Sanctuary Cities

According to data collected by DHS, there were 11,791 interior ICE arrests between January 20 and February 8, which is a staggering 137 percent increase from the 4,969 arrests made during the same period in 2024. Major raids conducted in sanctuary cities have garnered attention as they resulted in thousands of arrests, including individuals with violent criminal histories.

Financially, the shift in policy appears to have benefitted the country, with millions retrieved from New York City allocated for housing facilities for migrants. This funding will potentially alleviate pressures on local resources.

Taking Action Against Federal Assistance for Illegal Immigrants

A recent executive order directed all federal agencies to identify and rectify benefits provided to illegal immigrants funded by taxpayer dollars. This order aims to ensure that federal expenditures do not support sanctuary policies or provide aid for undocumented immigrants.

The overarching goal is to reinforce the commitment to strict immigration enforcement and to prevent misuse of federal resources in support of illegal immigration practices.

Continuing the Discussion on Immigration Policy

As Trump continues to address immigration during his presidency, the spotlight remains on the contrasting approaches of his administration versus the Biden administration. With significant reductions in illegal crossings, the current administration aims to sustain momentum in enforcing border security and revitalizing discussions surrounding immigration reform.

This renewed focus brings critical conversations regarding the nation’s immigration policies to the forefront, reflecting a pivotal moment in border control and security efforts.