The latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection reveal that illegal border crossings have plummeted to unprecedented lows for February, marking a significant shift in the current immigration landscape. In February, there were just 28,654 encounters and apprehensions of individuals attempting to cross the border illegally, representing a staggering 90% decrease compared to the averages seen during previous Februarys under the Biden administration.
To put this into perspective, the figures for February 2024 showed 256,071 encounters, a stark contrast to the 213,911 recorded in February 2023 and 250,404 in February 2022.
Focusing on the southwest border, the numbers are equally telling: only 11,709 illegal crossings were recorded last month, a dramatic drop from 189,913 in February 2024, 156,630 in 2023, and 166,010 in 2022.
Meanwhile, at the northern border, encounters also fell sharply, with only 4,098 illegal crossers reported in February, down from 14,653 in February 2024, 13,052 in 2023, and 7,822 in 2022.
The demographic breakdown shows that most individuals apprehended were single adults, followed by those claiming to be part of a family unit, and a smaller number of unaccompanied minors. Overall, Border Patrol apprehensions between ports of entry averaged about 330 daily in February—marking the lowest nationwide average in the agency’s history.
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At the southwest border, apprehensions dropped below 300 daily, with Border Patrol agents reporting just 8,347 illegal crossings between ports of entry. This represents a 94% decrease from February 2024. Additionally, CBP Office of Field Operations agents encountered 3,362 inadmissible individuals at ports of entry along the southwest border last month, a 93% decrease from the previous year.
According to CBP, this dramatic decline can be attributed to the hardline stance adopted by President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who have communicated a clear message: illegal crossings will result in immediate deportation with no chance for re-entry. This has resulted in a significant decrease in encounters with illegal migrants.
Furthermore, the deployment of U.S. military troops to the southwest border and an increase in active patrols have contributed to this downturn in crossings.
In a stark contrast to former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who introduced a mobile app aimed at fast-tracking inadmissible individuals into the U.S., the Trump administration has rolled out a new app designed to facilitate departures. The CBP Home mobile app allows unlawfully present foreign nationals or those with revoked parole to voluntarily inform the federal government of their plans to leave the U.S., aligning with Trump’s executive order “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” This initiative aims to create an orderly process for individuals to communicate their departure intentions.
In an operational shift, the CBP has begun dismantling soft-sided facilities that were utilized to process illegal border crossers during the Biden administration. This move is projected to save taxpayers between $5 million and $30 million per month for each facility removed.
“CBP no longer requires these facilities as illegal aliens are being rapidly removed,” stated Pete Flores, CBP’s acting director. He emphasized that the agency now has “full capability to manage the detention of apprehended aliens in its permanent facilities.”
Plans are underway to close three soft-sided facilities in Texas—Donna, North Eagle Pass, and Laredo—as well as two in Arizona: Yuma and Tucson. However, facilities in San Diego, California, and El Paso, Texas, remain operational.
Resources previously allocated to these soft-sided facilities are being redirected to other priorities to expedite CBP’s efforts in achieving operational control over the southwest border, Flores added. Agents who had been reassigned from their regular duties to manage these facilities are now returning to their primary enforcement tasks.
Syndicated with permission from The Center Square.
