Illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border remained significantly low in April, continuing a trend of historic declines. Preliminary data reveals that fewer than 10,000 migrants attempted to cross illegally, a stark 93% drop compared to the over 128,000 crossings recorded in April of the previous year. This marks one of the lowest levels of illegal border activity in decades, suggesting a notable shift in migration trends.
Trump’s Emergency Measures Drastically Reduce Border Crossings Compared to Biden Administration Levels
The sharp decline in illegal crossings is being attributed largely to President Trump’s aggressive border policies. Upon returning to office, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, deploying troops and dismantling the Biden-era “catch and release” policy. These measures appear to have had an immediate and substantial deterrent effect, fulfilling a major campaign promise to strengthen border security.
Illegal Border Crossings Plummet to 25-Year Low Under Trump’s Emergency Immigration Crackdown
The April figures follow already low numbers from earlier in the year, with around 8,300 crossings in February and roughly 7,100 in March — the lowest levels in at least 25 years. Homeland Security sources noted that the current monthly totals are lower than what was sometimes recorded in a single day during the Biden administration. April’s busiest day saw fewer than 450 illegal border crossings, underscoring the contrast between the two administrations’ enforcement outcomes.
Border Agents Stunned by Record Lows as ICE Intensifies Immigration Enforcement Nationwide
Veteran Border Patrol agents are expressing surprise at the magnitude of the decline. Manny Bayon, head of the National Border Patrol Council in San Diego, remarked that he had never seen such low numbers in over 25 years of service. This sentiment reflects the broader response among enforcement personnel, who are witnessing a dramatic shift in their operational environment under the Trump administration’s renewed focus on border control.
While illegal border crossings have dropped, the Trump administration has also intensified interior immigration enforcement. In the first 100 days of Trump’s term, ICE arrested over 66,000 illegal immigrants and deported more than 65,000.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons emphasized that the agency is now fully empowered to use all available tools to enforce immigration laws and ensure public safety. This marks a distinct change from the previous administration’s approach and highlights a comprehensive shift in US immigration policy.
