Illegal border crossings into the United States have plunged to their lowest levels in at least 25 years, a milestone that has sparked discussions across the country. The sharp decline in illegal crossings comes as the Department of Defense steps up border security operations, reinforcing efforts with military deployment and stricter enforcement measures.
A Historic Drop in Illegal Crossings
According to reports from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), February saw just 8,450 apprehensions of individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. That number marks an extraordinary drop from previous years and is the lowest figure recorded in the current century. President Donald Trump, who reassumed office on January 20, emphasized the significance of this decline, stating that illegal crossings last month were at the lowest point in American history. His claim placed the number even lower, at 8,326 apprehensions.
"The invasion of our country is over," Trump declared in a post on Truth Social, reinforcing his administration’s strong stance on immigration control. "The border is closed to all illegal immigrants. Anyone who tries to illegally enter the U.S.A. will face significant criminal penalties and immediate deportation."
This drastic shift comes as a stark contrast to previous years. During President Joe Biden’s administration, daily illegal border crossings were significantly higher. The average daily border crossings were:
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5,333 in 2021
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6,423 in 2022
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5,590 in 2023
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2,872 in 2024 before Trump reassumed office
To put this in perspective, Border Patrol recorded more than 8,000 apprehensions in a single day in September 2023 under the previous administration. The new numbers signal a dramatic shift in border security policies and enforcement tactics.
Mobilization of Military Forces
Trump’s return to the White House saw an immediate push to close both the northern and southern U.S. borders and crack down on illegal immigration. To strengthen enforcement, federal agencies were mobilized to arrest, detain, and deport undocumented migrants in the United States.
One of the biggest changes has been the involvement of the U.S. military. The Department of Defense (DOD) has deployed an armored Stryker brigade combat team and a general-support aviation battalion to enhance security at the border.
Who's involved?
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2,400 soldiers from Fort Carson, Colorado
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500 service members from Fort Stewart, Georgia
These troops are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, with the DOD affirming its "unwavering dedication to working alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure our southern border and maintain the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of the United States."
Immigration Enforcement Ramps Up
The crackdown on illegal immigration isn’t just about border security—it’s also about removing those who have already entered the country unlawfully. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently announced a massive increase in arrests and deportations in February.
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Over 20,000 migrants who were in the U.S. illegally were arrested last month.
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Noem stated that during Biden’s presidency, hundreds of thousands of criminals were allowed to enter the country illegally.
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In 2024 alone, the previous administration arrested 33,000 illegal border crossers.
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The arrests in February alone were 627% higher than the monthly average during Biden’s presidency.
The End of an Era of Leniency?
For many, these numbers indicate the end of a more lenient immigration policy that existed under the previous administration. Trump has been vocal about making illegal immigration a national security priority, which allowed the military to play a direct role in border enforcement.
Those apprehended at the border are facing immediate removal or, when necessary, criminal prosecution. In Trump’s words, all of those caught "were ejected from the United States or, when necessary, prosecuted for crimes against the United States of America."
The administration's strict policies are not just about preventing illegal crossings but also about ensuring those who have already entered illegally are removed. Noem stressed that "we are sending them home, and they will never be allowed to return."
What This Means for the Future
This new era of immigration enforcement has both supporters and critics.
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Supporters argue that these measures will restore law and order, reduce crime, and prevent illegal immigration from burdening the U.S. economy and resources.
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Critics, however, fear that aggressive enforcement could lead to humanitarian issues and harm families who have been living in the U.S. for years.
Regardless of where people stand on the issue, one thing is clear: Illegal border crossings have dropped to historic lows, and the current administration is taking unprecedented steps to keep it that way.
With the military now actively involved, thousands of troops reinforcing security, and a record-breaking number of deportations and arrests, the landscape of U.S. immigration policy has shifted dramatically in just a matter of weeks. The coming months will reveal how effective these measures truly are and what further steps the administration may take to maintain border security.
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