Border Encounters Drop to Lowest Level Since July 2020

The U.S.-Mexico border is seeing a dramatic decline in illegal immigration ahead of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration. Daily border encounters in December hit their lowest average since July 2020, marking a significant shift as Trump prepares to enact sweeping immigration reforms.

According to data released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), federal officials recorded 96,000 unlawful crossings in December. While border activity typically decreases during cooler months, many attribute this steep drop to Trump’s hardline rhetoric and promises of immediate action to secure the border.

Trump’s upcoming administration has pledged to prioritize border security, including the mass deportation of illegal immigrants already in the country. His campaign’s focus on immigration reform and enforcement played a central role in his victory, and the impact is already being felt.

Outgoing DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas credited the decline to the Biden administration’s border policies, which he described as “tough, humane, legal, and effective.” Speaking at a press conference, Mayorkas argued that measures implemented by the current administration contributed to the reduced border traffic.

Despite this claim, the Biden administration faced record-breaking levels of illegal immigration during its tenure. Between October 2023 and February 2024 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) documented over one million border encounters. Additionally, the last year of Biden’s presidency saw an unprecedented surge in Chinese nationals attempting to enter the country unlawfully.

Critics of the Biden administration argue that these policies created a border crisis, with lax enforcement attracting record numbers of migrants. The December drop in crossings, they say, is less about existing measures and more about anticipation of Trump’s incoming policies.

President-elect Trump has wasted no time outlining his strategy to address illegal immigration. His administration is pushing for a budget reconciliation bill that would provide funding for enhanced border security and facilitate the removal of millions of illegal immigrants residing in the U.S. Trump has also called for the construction of additional barriers at the southern border and more resources for CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Central to Trump’s immigration strategy is a crackdown on visa overstays, which account for a significant percentage of illegal immigration. The administration is expected to revisit Trump’s 2019 proposal to institute biometric tracking at points of entry to better monitor visa holders.

A senior advisor to the Trump transition team stated, “The President-elect is determined to restore order at the border and enforce the laws of this country. This decline in crossings is a clear indication that his tough stance is already making a difference.

While Trump prepares to take office, the legislative battle over immigration policy is heating up. The proposed budget reconciliation bill is expected to face pushback from both sides of the aisle. Some lawmakers are concerned about provisions that could complicate Trump’s plans for deportations.

One such measure is the controversial Dignity Act, introduced by Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL). The act proposes expanding H-1B visa caps and providing pathways for certain illegal immigrants to remain in the U.S. Critics of the bill argue that it undermines Trump’s goals and could open the door to amnesty for millions.

Conservative lawmakers are urging Trump to ensure that the reconciliation package reflects his campaign promises. They argue that any inclusion of pro-amnesty provisions could weaken the administration’s efforts to enforce immigration laws and secure the border.

The current decline in border crossings comes at a pivotal moment for U.S. immigration policy. Trump’s aggressive stance on enforcement has already sent a strong signal to potential migrants, deterring many from attempting to cross illegally.

Immigration advocates, however, have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact of Trump’s policies. They warn that increased deportations and strict border controls could lead to family separations and worsen conditions for asylum seekers.

Despite these concerns, the shift in border activity is being viewed as an early victory for Trump’s approach. Industry experts and immigration analysts predict that the new administration’s policies could reshape the nation’s approach to immigration enforcement for years to come.

As Trump’s inauguration approaches, his administration’s next steps on immigration will be closely watched. With a Republican majority in the House, Trump’s allies are optimistic about advancing his agenda, but the potential for bipartisan gridlock remains.

The incoming president has vowed to prioritize the safety and sovereignty of the United States, making immigration reform a cornerstone of his administration. If Trump succeeds in implementing his vision, the current decline in border crossings may mark the beginning of a new chapter in U.S. immigration policy.

For now, the dramatic decrease in illegal border crossings serves as a preview of the significant changes that could be on the horizon under Trump’s leadership.