Record low illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border in April 2025 are attributed to the implementation of Trump administration policies.
Key Takeaways
- Illegal crossings in April fell below 10,000, a 93% decrease from the previous year.
- Trump administration policies, such as military deployments and ending the “catch and release” program, contributed to the decline.
- ICE played a significant role, arresting and deporting over 66,000 illegal immigrants early in Trump’s term.
- April’s crossings were some of the lowest in recent decades, a trend continuing from February and March.
Historical Record Lows
April 2025 marked a historical low with fewer than 10,000 illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, representing a dramatic 93% decrease compared to the previous year. Manny Bayon from the National Border Patrol Council noted these as the lowest figures he’s seen in his career. The decrease is largely attributed to the Trump administration’s rigorous policies aimed at securing the border.
President Trump’s initiatives included deploying military troops to the border and eliminating the “catch and release” policy, whereby illegal migrants were released to await court hearings. These measures, coupled with aggressive deportation efforts led by ICE—which recorded over 66,000 arrests in the administration’s early days—are credited with reducing crossings to numbers significantly lower than in recent years.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 28, 2025
Evaluating the Impact of Policies
The Trump administration reported a significant 95% reduction in illegal immigration encounters, showcasing the strength of President Trump’s border security efforts. While some critics tried to downplay the numbers by pointing to different timeframes, independent fact-checkers still confirmed a substantial drop of around 60%—a clear testament to the effectiveness of Trump’s tough immigration stance compared to the weak policies seen under Biden.
It is important to consider that illegal immigration trends naturally fluctuate due to weather conditions, economic factors, and political shifts. Despite this variability, illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border reached record lows, underscoring the potential long-term impact of certain Trump administration policies on the deterrence of illegal immigration.
Continuing Trends in Illegal Immigrations
April’s decrease in illegal crossings continues a trend observed in preceding months. February and March also saw historically low numbers, with illegal crossings not surpassing 8,300 and 7,100, respectively. These numbers are substantially lower than those registered during some single days of Biden’s administration.
While some may argue it’s hard to credit one person for changes in illegal immigration, the facts speak for themselves: under President Trump, border encounters dropped sharply. April’s continued decline follows a clear trend that began during his administration—thanks to a strong, no-nonsense approach that included deploying troops and cracking down with tough policies. It’s proof that real leadership on border security makes a difference.
