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Significant Drop in Southwest Border Crossings: A Focus on Recent Trends
The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals a substantial decrease in illegal crossings at the southwest border during March, marking an unprecedented low with only 7,180 recorded encounters.
Speaking on the findings, acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores attributed this dramatic drop to the policy measures initiated by President Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. “Under their leadership, our agency has been empowered to regain control of the border,” Flores remarked, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws. He further warned potential violators that, “the border is closed to illegal crossings…you will be prosecuted, and you will be deported,” reinforcing the administration’s message against unlawful entry.
This March figure represents a decrease of 1,146 crossings compared to February, showcasing a stark contrast to the average of 155,000 monthly crossings experienced during the Biden administration. Under Biden, border agents regularly reported more than 7,000 apprehensions each day.
Historical Context of Border Apprehensions
Recent statistics indicate that daily apprehensions have now dropped to approximately 230, a figure not seen before in U.S. history. In comparison, the Biden administration had reported an average of 5,100 encounters per day, highlighting the significant shift in border control dynamics.
The comprehensive monthly data is anticipated to be released soon, which will provide further insights into the ongoing trends at the border.
Responses from the Administration
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has expressed satisfaction with the March crossing numbers. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, border patrol agents are now back to doing the jobs they signed up for: securing the border,” she stated. She referenced a recent article from the Los Angeles Times that noted the dramatic changes at the California-Mexico border, where shelters that previously accommodated migrants have reportedly closed their doors.
Leavitt also mentioned the administration’s ongoing commitment to deporting illegal immigrants deemed a threat to public safety, asserting that such actions continue at an accelerated rate.
Impact of Immigration Policy Changes
Earlier this month, Trump highlighted that February’s apprehensions had also dipped to an all-time low of 8,326, which he claimed represented a 96% decrease from the peak levels observed during the final months of the Biden administration.
In a vigorous assertion of his border policy, Trump declared that the border is effectively closed, promising swift ejection or prosecution for individuals crossing illegally. His administration’s initiatives have included halting birthright citizenship, suspending refugee admissions, and resuming construction of the border wall, all part of a broader hard-line stance on immigration.
Trump’s approach to immigration remains a pivotal aspect of his campaign platform, and his administration, buoyed by the leadership of figures like Noem and border czar Tom Homan, has prioritized the arrest and deportation of criminal migrants across the nation.
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