Trump’s Immigration Policy Leads to Historic Drop in Border Encounters Compared to Biden’s Record Numbers

Trump’s Immigration Policy Leads to Historic Drop in Border Encounters Compared to Biden’s Record Numbers

Illegal migrant encounters at the southern border have significantly decreased since President Donald Trump took office. Current statistics show these figures remain at record lows in comparison to the encounters reported during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

For instance, on a recent Thursday, only 32 encounters were recorded in El Paso, Texas. This starkly contrasts with the 1,134 encounters reported on the same day in 2024, marking a dramatic 97 percent drop.

In Tucson, Arizona, the numbers reflect a similar trend. Recently, authorities reported 59 apprehensions, a significant decline from the 1,222 encounters logged on the same day last year. This translates to a notable 95 percent reduction. San Diego saw 36 apprehensions on Thursday, down from 908 on the same day in the previous year, resulting in a 96 percent decrease.

Trump Reports Significant Decrease in Apprehensions

Across the southern border, there were a total of just 254 apprehensions that Thursday. In the same period last year, 4,229 encounters were recorded, yielding an impressive 94 percent reduction in overall apprehensions.

These statistics follow Trump’s announcement earlier this month, stating that apprehensions for the entire month of February reached only 8,326. This figure is touted as a historic low and marks a dramatic 96 percent decline from the Biden administration’s peak apprehensions of 249,785 recorded in December 2023.

Following the release of these figures, Trump made a strong statement, asserting that the border is effectively closed. He also indicated that those attempting to cross illegally would face swift ejection or prosecution under U.S. law.

Statements from Trump on Immigration Control

In a recent statement, Trump emphasized that the numbers reflect a significant decline in illegal immigration, declaring that “the invasion of our country is over.” He insisted that anyone trying to illegally enter the United States would encounter serious legal repercussions, including immediate deportation.

During Biden’s administration, there were multiple instances of single-day apprehensions peaking at figures between 8,000 to 10,000 migrants. One of the highest single-month totals under Biden was recorded in December 2023 with 249,785 apprehensions, while a single day of apprehensions often exceeded Trump’s total for his first month in office.

This considerable decrease in encounters occurred without any new immigration legislation from Congress. Biden has voiced the need for a comprehensive bill to address the surge of migrants crossing the southern border during his tenure, yet no such bill ever reached his desk.

Trump’s second term, similar to his first, has been marked by executive orders that enforce existing immigration laws. His administration employs stringent messaging aimed at curbing illegal crossings.

During his administration, Trump has implemented orders that end birthright citizenship, suspend refugee admissions, discontinue an application system for humanitarian parole at the southern border, and recommence construction of the border wall.

Executing Trump’s Hard-line Immigration Strategy

Trump’s aggressive stance on illegal immigration has remained a core campaign promise. His administration has also taken steps to arrest and deport individuals with criminal records who entered the country illegally. This approach has been spearheaded by Border Czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Additional recent statistics show Del Rio and the Rio Grande Valley recorded just 36 and 35 encounters respectively, a notable decrease from the 207 and 372 encounters logged under Biden’s administration last year.

Yesterday, the numbers also indicated 32 apprehensions in Laredo, six in Yuma, three in Big Bend, and two in El Campo. In stark contrast, the same day last year saw significantly higher apprehensions: 127 in Laredo, 269 in Yuma, 41 in El Campo, and 19 in Big Bend.

Contribution to this article was made by Fox News reporters Bill Melugin, Michael Lee, and Aleandra Koch.