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Washington, D.C. — Preliminary government data reported by CBS News indicates that the number of individuals crossing the U.S. southern border illegally has reached the lowest figures seen in a quarter-century during President Trump’s first full month in office. In February, U.S. Border Patrol recorded approximately 8,450 apprehensions of migrants illegally entering the country between official entry points along the U.S.-Mexico border.
This figure stands in stark contrast to the circumstances observed under the Biden administration, which saw significant daily averages, sometimes exceeding 8,000 apprehensions in a single day during peak illegal crossings.
If confirmed through official channels, February’s apprehension total would mark the lowest monthly figure since at least fiscal year 2000, as this period represents the last time comprehensive public monthly data was recorded. Typically, final counts do not differ significantly from preliminary numbers.
Historically, the only month that closely approached February’s low figures in the last 25 years was April 2017, when apprehensions stood at around 11,000, according to Border Patrol statistics.
While comprehensive monthly records prior to FY 2000 are not accessible, data suggests that the last time the Border Patrol maintained a monthly average of about 8,000 apprehensions over a year was in fiscal year 1968, based on historical reports.
The trend of decreasing illegal crossings along the southern border has been notable over the past year, including during the Biden administration, which followed an unprecedented surge in late 2023.
In early 2024, there was a tangible decline in crossings as Mexican authorities intensified their operations to prevent migrants from reaching the U.S. Additionally, further reductions were observed following former President Biden’s significant restrictions on the asylum process.
The scale of the decrease in illegal immigration has been particularly pronounced since President Trump’s inauguration.
January’s data revealed that Border Patrol agents recorded 29,000 apprehensions at the southern border, a 38% drop from December’s 47,000. The subsequent decline from January to February represented an even more striking reduction of about 70%.
Officials from the Trump administration have attributed this dramatic decline in unlawful crossings to comprehensive efforts targeting immigration across federal departments.
At the southern border, the Trump administration has empowered federal authorities to swiftly deport migrants without fully hearing their asylum claims, citing a national “invasion.” U.S. law traditionally allows migrants on American soil the right to claim asylum as a means to delay or halt deportation. However, Trump administration officials have criticized the system as being exploited by smugglers and those lacking legitimate asylum claims.
Additionally, President Trump has called upon the military to assist in immigration enforcement, deploying thousands of troops to the border and utilizing military resources for deportations.
Although the Biden administration also implemented measures to limit asylum claims during its final year, the restrictions imposed by the Trump administration have been notably stricter. Unlike Biden’s approach, Trump’s team has not significantly processed asylum seekers at official entry points, essentially rendering previous Biden-era systems for processing asylum through a dedicated app obsolete.
The Trump administration is now contemplating further restrictions, including the potential invocation of a public health measure known as Title 42, which would allow for the expedited expulsion of migrants under the pretext of preventing disease spread, such as tuberculosis.
It remains uncertain whether the flow of migrants will continue to decline, stabilize, or increase in the approaching weeks and months, as historical patterns often see a rise in southern border arrivals during the spring.
While the border management strategies have produced immediate results, the Trump administration’s efforts regarding interior immigration enforcement are facing considerable challenges.
Recent weeks have seen key Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials reassigned amid frustrations with inadequate arrests and deportations. Furthermore, ICE’s detention capabilities are nearing their limits; as of last Friday, detention centers were operating at 117% capacity, with over 45,000 migrants detained—20,000 of whom were apprehended at the southern border, based on internal government figures.
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