Border Arrests Drop Sharply Following Trump's Return to Office

New policies and enforcement measures have led to the lowest monthly border apprehension numbers since July 2020, according to CBP data.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a significant 85% drop in arrests at the southern border in the final 11 days of January 2025, coinciding with the start of President Donald Trump's second term.
January 2025 saw 29,116 border apprehensions, marking a sharp decline from December 2024's 47,316 and the lowest monthly figure since July 2020.
The decrease is attributed to new Trump administration policies, including the termination of CBP One app appointments, the end of 'catch-and-release,' and the immediate repatriation of illegal immigrants.
Tom Homan, the newly appointed 'border czar,' is spearheading aggressive enforcement measures, including expanded deportation efforts and a focus on deterring illegal crossings through stricter policies.
Critics express concerns about the humanitarian impact of these measures, while supporters argue they have significantly strengthened border security and reduced unauthorized migration.