Illegal Border Crossings Drop to Historic Lows Amid Trump Administration’s Crackdown

The significant decline in illegal border crossings reflects the impact of stricter immigration policies, including enhanced border security, military reinforcements, and deportation efforts. In February 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a sharp drop in apprehensions, from 141,000 in February 2024 to just 8,500.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Illegal border crossings have dropped to levels not seen in decades, as the Trump administration enforces increasingly stringent immigration policies.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), only 8,500 migrants were apprehended in February 2025, marking a dramatic decline from 141,000 in February 2024.

Tightened Border Security Measures

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attributes this significant decrease to aggressive immigration policies, including a broad asylum ban, increased military presence at the southern border, and enhanced deportation efforts.

The administration has also expanded agreements with Mexico and Central American countries, streamlining the deportation process and returning migrants more efficiently.

CBP Acting Commissioner Pete R. Flores highlighted the impact of these measures, stating:
“The reduction in illegal aliens attempting to enter the U.S., compounded by a significant increase in repatriations, means that more officers and agents are now able to focus on enforcement duties that make our border more secure and our country safer.”

Military Reinforcements and Increased Border Presence

In further efforts to tighten border control, the Pentagon deployed an additional 3,000 active-duty troops, including a Stryker brigade combat team and a general support aviation battalion. This increased the total number of U.S. military personnel at the southern border to 9,200, including both federal and National Guard forces.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who took office in January 2025, reinforced the administration’s uncompromising stance, declaring:
“The border is closed to all illegal immigrants. Anyone who tries to illegally enter the U.S.A. will face significant criminal penalties and deportation.”

Public Opinion and Legal Challenges

Public opinion on the crackdown remains sharply divided. A Pew Research Center survey revealed the following:

• 59% of Americans support increased deportation efforts.
• 55% disapprove of suspending asylum applications.

Meanwhile, legal battles are intensifying. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed lawsuits challenging the asylum ban, arguing that it violates both U.S. law and international agreements. Immigrant advocacy groups contend that these policies jeopardize vulnerable migrants, including families fleeing violence and persecution.

“The U.S. is turning its back on people who are seeking refuge, not because they are a threat, but because they are desperate,” said an ACLU representative.

“Reverse Migration” Trend Emerging

As enforcement tightens, a new trend is emerging—reverse migration.

• Migrants who once sought to cross into the U.S. are now returning to their home countries due to the increased risk of deportation and harsher penalties.
• Reports from shelters in Mexico and Central America indicate that more migrants are heading back south, rather than attempting to cross the border.

Human rights groups warn that these returns could exacerbate the humanitarian crises in these regions, where many migrants originally fled extreme poverty and violence.

Impact on Asian American Communities

The administration’s tough stance on immigration has sparked debates within Asian American communities, particularly among Filipino, Chinese, and South Asian immigrants. While some support stronger border security, others are concerned about delays in family-sponsored visas and employment-based immigration.

Muzaffar Chishti, Senior Fellow and Director at the Migration Policy Institute’s office at NYU School of Law, spoke on the broader implications:
“The administration’s focus on enforcement is reshaping migration patterns, but we must ensure that legal pathways remain open and efficient for those seeking to enter the U.S. lawfully.”

What Comes Next?

As President Trump enters his second term, immigration enforcement remains a key priority. With legal challenges mounting and international relations in flux, the long-term effects of these policies on migration, the economy, and border security remain uncertain.

For Asian American communities—especially those with family members navigating the legal immigration process—the stakes are high. Whether these policies establish a lasting framework for border security or ignite further political and legal battles will shape the nation’s immigration approach for years to come.