Border arrests hit lowest mark since last time Trump was in office
Apprehensions at the U.S. southern border have dropped to a level not seen since the last time President Donald Trump was in office. According to a White House press release, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) apprehended just 29,116 illegal immigrants along the southern border in January, a significant decrease from 47,000 in December and hitting a low mark not seen since May 2020 when 32,349 arrests were made at ports of entry.
Overall, CBP apprehended 61,465 illegal immigrants at the southern border in January, marking a 36% decrease from the prior month, as reported by new CP data. The numbers, shared with ABC News, show a drastic reduction in apprehensions since Trump took office, with a staggering 85% drop between Jan. 21 and 31 compared to the same time period in 2024.
The decline in apprehensions is part of a larger trend showing a decrease in attempted border crossings under the Trump administration. A recent Fox News report revealed that the daily average of known gotaways, illegal immigrants who enter the U.S. while avoiding arrest, has plummeted to just 132 per day since the beginning of February, representing a 93% reduction from the highs seen under former President Joe Biden.
The improving numbers at the border began in the first few days of the Trump administration, with a 35% reduction in Border Patrol encounters during the first three days compared to the final three days under Biden. This shift in border security measures has led to a more effective approach to tackling illegal immigration and securing the southern border.
The White House release praised the Trump administration’s efforts, stating, “During the previous administration, the average number of illegal aliens encountered at the southern border in January was 141,710 – the result of dangerous policies that ferried illegal aliens directly into our communities, where they were allowed to stay indefinitely. Now, under President Trump, illegal border crossings are at record lows as illegal aliens are promptly arrested and sent home.”
The decrease in apprehensions comes at a time when new cartel threats against border agents are emerging, including the use of explosives, drones, and wireless tracking devices. Border Patrol agents have also been instructed to stop wearing body cameras after a social media post revealed potential security risks.
Overall, the shift in border security measures under the Trump administration has led to a significant decrease in illegal immigration and a more secure southern border. The numbers continue to show a downward trend in attempted border crossings, highlighting the effectiveness of the new administration’s approach to border security.
