U.S. Border Crossings Drop to 25-Year Low Amid Trump Administration Policies

WASHINGTON — The number of illegal migrants crossing the U.S. southern border fell sharply in January 2024, recording the lowest rate of apprehensions in at least 25 years, according to preliminary data from Customs and Border Protection.

Last month, Border Patrol apprehended approximately 8,450 migrants attempting to cross unlawfully between official entry points along the U.S.-Mexico border. This figure is notably lower than the 29,000 apprehensions reported in January 2024 and represents a dramatic 70% decrease from the previous month.

The drop in apprehensions marks a significant trend, particularly compared to a spike seen under the Biden administration when daily crossings frequently exceeded 8,000. In April 2017, for instance, Border Patrol recorded 11,000 apprehensions in one month, the highest figure in recent years. The full scope of February’s data will be released by the government soon; however, early estimates suggest this month may conclude with the lowest monthly apprehension count since at least the fiscal year 2000.

While historical data on illegal crossings prior to fiscal year 2000 is scarce, records indicate that such low monthly apprehensions have not occurred since 1968. According to government statistics, illegal crossings have shown a marked decline over the past year, a trend that began in early 2024 as Mexican officials intensified enforcement to deter migration.

Policies implemented by the Trump administration are credited for this decline. Central to these efforts is a strict immigration crackdown allowing swift deportation of migrants without the opportunity to present asylum claims, under the premise of addressing an “invasion.” This policy has been met with criticism as U.S. law generally affirms that migrants have the right to seek asylum.

Trump administration officials contend that existing asylum laws have been exploited by those who do not qualify. As part of the crackdown, additional military personnel were deployed to the southern border, bolstering Border Patrol’s capacity to manage and reduce illegal crossings.

While Biden also sought to limit asylum opportunities, critics argue that the extent of Trump’s initiatives has been unprecedented. The prior administration discontinued a Biden-era system designed to facilitate asylum processing at official entry points, further complicating the pathway for those seeking refuge.

In addition to current policies, the Trump administration is considering invoking Title 42, a public health law, to expedite the expulsion of migrants on grounds of potential disease spread. The evolving situation raises questions about whether the current downward trend in apprehensions will continue, plateau, or reverse in the upcoming months, particularly as seasonal trends historically indicate an uptick in spring.

Despite the success at the border, the Trump administration faces challenges in executing its interior enforcement agenda. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has seen operational difficulties, including reassigned personnel aimed at increasing deportations. Current ICE detention facilities are reported to be operating at 117% capacity, with over 45,000 migrants in custody, many of whom were apprehended at the southern border.

The significant reduction in border crossings has sparked ongoing debate about immigration policy effectiveness and the long-term implications of these trends, as the nation braces for potential changes in migration patterns.