In addition, ICE has apprehended over 20,000 undocumented immigrants within the country in the last month.
On Saturday, President Donald Trump stated that the “invasion of our country” has ended, as the number of illegal immigrant apprehensions at the U.S.–Mexico border dropped to a historic low in February, marking his first full month in office.
According to newly released
data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol agents recorded only 8,326 apprehensions last month—the lowest monthly total in recorded history. In stark contrast, during President Joe Biden’s administration, CBP reported apprehensions of nearly 300,000 illegal border crossers in a single month.
Trump attributed the significant decline in border arrests to his administration’s stringent enforcement policies. “February, my first full month in office, had the LOWEST number of Illegal Immigrants attempting to enter our Country in History – BY FAR!” Trump said in a
post on Truth Social.
On his first day in office, Trump signed 10 executive orders and proclamations focused on border security and the deportation of illegal immigrants. He terminated “catch and release,” discontinued the CBP One app used for parole exceptions, and pressured Mexico by threatening tariffs, leading to the deployment of 10,000 troops to reduce drug trafficking and enhance immigration controls.
Trump also announced a national emergency at the border, increased the deportation of undocumented immigrants, and issued an order to end birthright citizenship.
“Thanks to the Trump Administration Policies, the Border is CLOSED to all Illegal Immigrants,” Trump wrote. “Anyone who attempts to enter the U.S.A. illegally will face substantial criminal penalties and immediate deportation.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) supported Trump’s statement. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the record low in apprehensions and reaffirmed the administration’s stringent position against illegal immigration.
“The world is hearing our message: do not come to our country illegally. If you do, we will find you, arrest you, and send you back,” Noem stated in a
post on social media. “We’re just getting started.”
Despite the administration’s effectiveness in curtailing illegal crossings, Trump’s policies have faced criticism. Last month, a coalition of Quaker congregations filed a
lawsuit against DHS, claiming that the agency violated their religious freedom by allowing the arrests of illegal immigrants attending religious services.
In addition, several federal judges have
blocked Trump’s executive order meant to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, with the Trump administration pledging to appeal.
Immigration and border security have been significant voter priorities in the lead-up to the 2024 election, second only to economic issues such as inflation.
In addition to his initial actions on border security, Trump recently
signed an executive order directing all agencies to identify federally funded programs providing financial help to illegal immigrants and to eliminate such aid.
“With this Executive Order, President Trump is ensuring taxpayer resources are allocated to protect the interests of American citizens, not illegal immigrants,” stated a White House fact sheet.
Additionally, DHS recently
announced that undocumented immigrants must register with the federal government, with noncompliance leading to fines or imprisonment. This initiative aims to allow law enforcement to track and encourage illegal immigrants to self-deport while conserving agency resources otherwise spent on physical removals.
DHS also
recently reported a significant increase in arrests of illegal immigrants within the country under the Trump administration, with over 20,000 arrests in the past month, compared to approximately 33,000 during President Joe Biden’s last full year in office.
Estimates concerning the total illegal immigrant population in the United States vary widely. As of January 2022, the Department of Homeland Security
estimated 11 million, while the Center for Immigration Studies
estimated 12.3 million in May 2023. The Federation for American Immigration Reform
suggested a higher figure of 16.8 million in June 2023.
Trump has
indicated that the actual number might be as high as 21 million, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio speculated in a May 2024 NBC News interview during his Senate term that the total could reach up to 30 million.
