New data from U.S. Border Patrol shows illegal immigration to the United States fell to historic lows in February, following former President Donald Trump’s return to office and the implementation of strict border security measures.
Historic Decline in Illegal Immigration Post-Trump's Return
Historic Decline in Illegal Immigration Post-Trump's Return
February sees unprecedented 94% drop in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, reflecting immediate impacts of renewed immigration policies.
Illegal immigration to the United States has experienced a remarkable decline, plummeting to unprecedented levels in February. Data released by U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks reveals a staggering 94% decrease in illegal crossings compared to the same month last year. This significant shift follows former President Donald Trump’s return to office, marking a pivotal change in border security strategies.
Chief Banks reported via X that only 8,326 illegal migrants were apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border in February, the lowest total ever documented. This decrease highlights the immediate effects of Trump's reinstated immigration policies, showing an 82% drop from December, during the last full month of the previous administration.
The sharp decline is attributed to extensive immigration enforcement measures, increased deportation activities, and the closure of several non-governmental migrant shelters that had previously relied on taxpayer funding. Under Trump’s leadership, funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aiming to support these facilities has been terminated.
In late January, shortly after Trump took office, two shelters in Pima County, Arizona, were closed. In February, a key migrant resource center in San Antonio, Texas, also shut down. This facility, which operated in collaboration with Catholic Charities and the city, played an essential role in relocating migrants further into the U.S.
The administration has adopted more assertive strategies to deter illegal crossings, including deploying military assets for deportations. Notably, February saw the inaugural military transport of illegal immigrants to the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp, where efforts are underway to expand capacity to house up to 30,000 detainees.
A noticeable pattern emerging from these strict measures is reverse migration. Many migrants, recognizing a slim likelihood of entering the U.S. under Trump's firm enforcement stance, are choosing to abandon their intended journeys and return home. Some reports reveal migrants resorting to smugglers to navigate challenging routes, such as the perilous Darien Gap jungle, in order to safely return.
The ramifications of Trump's immigration crackdown are evident throughout the immigration spectrum. By mid-February, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that daily border apprehensions fell below 200 for the first time in decades. On February 22, apprehensions dipped even further to just 185.
Historical data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) underscores the importance of this decline. The previous low for border crossings was recorded in April 2017 during Trump’s first term when 11,127 migrants were apprehended. The current figure of 8,326 is the lowest recorded since CBP began maintaining consistent data in 2000.
With enhanced resources now allocated, including 3,000 active-duty military personnel and an additional armored Stryker brigade, the Trump administration is emphasizing border security as a critical focus area. Proponents of this approach argue that the data reflect a successful deterrent effect on potential migrants.
As the policies from the Biden administration rapidly reverse, the statistics indicate that Trump’s vigorous immigration enforcement is delivering results that many deemed unattainable. With illegal crossings at an all-time low, it appears the administration's strategy is actively transforming America's approach to border security.
