Southern border numbers significantly lower under Trump administration
The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals that the number of apprehensions at the southern border continues to be significantly lower compared to the previous administration. According to exclusive information obtained by Fox News, between June 1 and June 22, there were 5,414 apprehensions at the border, with the El Paso sector being the busiest. Additionally, there were 986 known “gotaways,” which are also at record low numbers.
In May, there were just under 9,000 apprehensions, a stark contrast to the roughly 118,000 apprehensions during the same time period the year prior under the Biden administration. This downward trend in border crossings began in June of last year, with 83,532 encounters, followed by roughly 56,000 in July 2024. However, the numbers are still significantly lower than those seen under the current administration.
The decrease in migrant encounters last year was attributed to an order signed by former President Joe Biden to regulate crossings into the U.S. However, the numbers remained high for three years prior to this. In comparison, when President Donald Trump took office in January, there were only 9,086 encounters in the first 11 days, with similar or lower numbers since then.
In 2023, there were instances where around 10,000 migrants were crossing into the U.S. illegally daily, with many applying for asylum through the CBP One app. The gotaway numbers are now averaging 46 per day, a significant decrease from the average of 1,833 per day during the Biden administration in 2023.
The CBP One app, which was quickly transitioned into the CBP Home app by the Trump administration, is now used for “non-criminal” individuals who wish to self-deport. The Department of Homeland Security is offering a $1,000 stipend and free travel out of the U.S. for those who choose to leave voluntarily.
Efforts are also being made towards deportation by the administration, resulting in protests and riots in Los Angeles and other parts of the country. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been highlighting the arrests of individuals with criminal charges and convictions.
Looking ahead, the administration is emphasizing the border and immigration provisions in the reconciliation bill in the Senate. This includes plans to hire more federal authorities and funding for additional beds in detention centers.
For more information and updates on immigration and border security, stay tuned to Fox News. Cameron Arcand, a politics writer at Fox News Digital in Washington D.C., can be reached for story tips at Cameron.Arcand@Fox.com and on Twitter at @cameron_arcand.
