Border Crossings Reach Record Lows Following Trump’s Policy Changes

The sharp decline in illegal border crossings reflects both Trump administration measures and trends that began before his inauguration.

Daily encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border have dropped to historic lows, with only 200 apprehensions reported on February 22, the lowest in over 15 years.
The Trump administration attributes the decline to new policies, including reinstating 'Remain in Mexico,' ending 'catch and release,' and deploying active-duty troops to the border.
Analysts note that migration numbers were already decreasing in the months leading up to Trump’s inauguration, with a 40% drop in apprehensions between November 2024 and January 2025.
The administration has also canceled the CBP One application, which previously facilitated asylum applications, and increased deportations, though deportation numbers remain below Biden-era averages.
Critics and experts suggest that both anticipation of Trump’s policies and ongoing enforcement changes contributed to the significant decline in migration flows.