President Trump’s first full month in office sees border crossings plummet to historic 25-year lows, with apprehensions dropping 96% from Biden-era highs as migrants reverse course and head home.
Quick Takes
- Border Patrol recorded only 8,326 encounters in February 2025, the lowest monthly total in recorded history and a 96% decrease from December 2023’s high of 301,981 under Biden.
- Trump’s comprehensive approach included military deployment, ending asylum loopholes, resuming border wall construction, and utilizing Guantánamo Bay for migrant processing.
- Interior ICE arrests increased by 137% in early 2025 compared to the same period last year, with targeted raids in “sanctuary” cities.
- A new trend of “reverse migration” has emerged with migrants abandoning their journeys and returning home.
- The last comparable low point for border apprehensions occurred in fiscal year 1968, making current numbers a multi-generational achievement.
Historic Border Security Achievement
February 2025 marked a watershed moment in U.S. border security as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported just 8,326 illegal immigrant encounters along the southern border. This figure represents not only a staggering 96% decrease from the Biden administration’s December 2023 peak of 301,981 encounters but also the lowest monthly total in recent history. The dramatic reduction continues a downward trend that accelerated immediately following President Trump’s inauguration, with a 70% decrease from January to February alone. Border security experts note that the last time monthly apprehensions averaged around 8,000 was more than five decades ago, in fiscal year 1968.
A top official with the Border Patrol confirmed the historic nature of these numbers. “February proved our combined efforts in securing the border WORK,” Chief Banks posted on X. “USBP apprehended 8,326 illegal aliens at the U.S.-Mexico border, making it the lowest month in recorded history.”
The Trump Border Strategy
The administration achieved these results through a comprehensive approach that began immediately upon taking office. Without waiting for congressional action on a border bill, President Trump issued a series of executive orders and deployed existing government resources. Key measures included declaring a national emergency at the border, deploying U.S. military forces, ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, suspending refugee admissions, and resuming construction of the border wall. Additionally, the Pentagon opened Guantánamo Bay for migrant processing, creating a powerful deterrent effect for those considering illegal entry.
“The Invasion of our Country is OVER,” President Donald Trump stated firmly. “Anyone who tries to illegally enter the U.S.A. will face significant criminal penalties and immediate deportation.”
The administration also targeted policy loopholes that had enabled mass migration. Officials terminated the CBP One app that had been used to process asylum-seekers under the Biden administration and reinstated the requirement that asylum claims be made at legal ports of entry. The Department of Homeland Security issued new guidance allowing for expedited removals of illegal immigrants without lengthy asylum hearings, streamlining the deportation process and sending a clear message about enforcement priorities.
Interior Enforcement and Financial Measures
Beyond border operations, the administration has significantly ramped up interior enforcement. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) restrictions from the Biden era were overturned, allowing law enforcement to conduct expedited removals and review parole statuses. Interior ICE arrests increased by 137% from January 20 to February 8 compared to the same period in 2024. High-profile raids in “sanctuary” cities resulted in over a thousand daily arrests, with a particular focus on violent criminals and gang members who had previously been protected by local non-cooperation policies.
On the financial front, the administration reclaimed tens of millions of dollars from New York City that had been designated for housing migrants. A recent executive order directed federal agencies to identify and correct federally funded programs that provide benefits to illegal immigrants, ensuring that taxpayer dollars do not support sanctuary policies or incentivize illegal immigration. These financial measures complement the enforcement strategy by reducing the economic pull factors that contribute to illegal migration.
Reverse Migration Trend
Perhaps most striking is the emergence of a “reverse migration” phenomenon, with migrants abandoning their journeys north and returning to their home countries. This trend reflects the changing risk-reward calculation for potential migrants as news of strict enforcement spreads. Several non-government migrant shelters have closed due to reduced federal funding and decreased migrant numbers, further evidence of the dramatic shift in migration patterns. The message appears to be resonating with potential migrants that illegal entry attempts will result in swift deportation rather than release into the United States.
While the border strategy has shown remarkable success, challenges remain for interior deportation efforts. ICE continues to face capacity constraints and operational hurdles in executing mass deportations. Nevertheless, the dramatic reduction in border crossings represents a significant achievement in addressing what had become an overwhelming crisis under the previous administration, when daily apprehensions sometimes exceeded 8,000 – nearly equal to the current monthly total.
Sources:
- Trump reports illegal immigrant encounters at historic lows during first full month in office
- Amid Trump crackdown, illegal border crossings plunge to levels not seen in decades
- TRUMP EFFECT: Migrant Encounters at Southern Border Hit Lowest-Ever Mark, Down 94 Percent from Last February
