Trump’s border policies have slashed illegal crossings to record lows, with March encounters plummeting to just over 7,000—a staggering 95% decrease from the previous year.
At a Glance
- Border Patrol encounters at the southern border fell to an all-time low of just over 7,000 in March, down 95% from March 2024
- The Pentagon deployed 1,500 additional troops to increase military presence by 60% at the US-Mexico border
- Trump reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy and suspended asylum processing for undocumented migrants
- The Los Angeles Times reports migrant crossings “have slowed to a near halt” along the California-Mexico border
- ICE’s powers have expanded, allowing for increased deportations and enforcement actions
The “Trump Effect” Transforms Border Security
Since President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office on January 20th, the southern border has undergone a dramatic transformation. March border encounters plummeted to 7,181 illegal immigrants—representing a 95% decrease from March 2024, a 96% decrease from March 2023, and an astounding 97% decrease from March 2022.
This sharp decline, now commonly referred to as the “Trump Effect,” marks the lowest number of illegal crossings on record and demonstrates the immediate impact of the administration’s hardline approach to immigration enforcement.
The administration has implemented numerous executive orders aimed at cracking down on undocumented migrants. These include expanding ICE’s powers, suspending asylum processing, and reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy that requires migrants to wait outside U.S. borders while their cases are processed.
Additionally, Trump halted the U.S. refugee resettlement program and eliminated a Biden-era program that allowed migrants from certain countries to enter on humanitarian grounds.
— Ronald Reagan Institute (RRI) (@ReaganInstitute) October 1, 2024
Military Deployment and Enhanced Enforcement
The Pentagon has significantly increased the military presence along the border, deploying 1,500 additional troops—a 60% increase in forces. This bolstered security presence has been coupled with an aggressive deportation strategy. Within just four days of Trump taking office, over 1,000 people were deported, with the Defense Department providing military aircraft to facilitate these operations. Border security officials have made clear this is only the beginning of a comprehensive enforcement campaign.
The administration has also expanded expedited deportation procedures, now allowing for quick removal of undocumented migrants found anywhere in the U.S. who cannot prove they’ve been in the country for more than two years.
This represents a significant expansion of previous policies that limited expedited deportations to migrants apprehended within 100 miles of the border who had been in the country for less than two weeks. ICE has ramped up enforcement activities, arresting 956 people in a single day shortly after Trump’s inauguration.
Dramatic Results Along the Southern Border
The impact of these policies has been particularly visible along the California-Mexico border, where the situation has changed dramatically. According to reporting from The Los Angeles Times, migrant crossings have virtually stopped in many areas. Border Patrol agents in the region are now making only 30 to 40 arrests per day, down from more than 1,200 daily arrests during the peak in April
The reduced flow of migrants is particularly notable for certain vulnerable groups. The number of unaccompanied children arriving at the border has fallen to its lowest level on record, a significant shift from the surge witnessed during the previous administration.
These changes have occurred in tandem with the elimination of the CBP One app, which previously allowed migrants to schedule appointments to present themselves at ports of entry. Critics argue this has left many migrants stranded without clear pathways to protection.
International Cooperation and Response
Mexico has responded to the increased deportations by building shelters to accommodate returned migrants. The Mexican government has launched a reintegration campaign aimed at assisting those who have been deported, acknowledging the need for infrastructure to handle the influx of returnees.
This represents part of a broader regional adjustment to the policy changes instituted by the Trump administration. Meanwhile, some Latin American leaders have expressed concerns about the treatment of their citizens during the deportation process.
The dramatic reduction in border crossings demonstrates the effectiveness of Trump’s immigration policies in deterring illegal entry. For border communities that have long dealt with the challenges of uncontrolled migration, these changes represent a welcome shift toward greater security and order. As the administration continues to implement its border security agenda, these trends are expected to continue, potentially reshaping migration patterns throughout the Western Hemisphere for years to come.
