The arrests of individuals for illegally crossing the United States-Mexico border have decreased by 39 percent in January compared to the previous month, according to U.S. authorities. This drop in arrests is seen as an early indicator of the tightening of immigration policies by the administration of President Donald Trump.
During the last month, the Border Patrol made 21,593 arrests, which represents a notable decrease compared to the 47,316 arrests made in December. This figure is the lowest recorded since May 2020, near the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, reported the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency.
In a statement, the White House mentioned the "Trump Effect" as one of the factors influencing this reduction in border arrests. Since Trump took office, various immigration measures have been implemented, including the suspension of asylum for migrants under the argument of an "invasion" at the southern border of the United States.
Arrests at the border have been significantly declining even before Trump took office on January 20, as there was a decrease from the historical peak of 250,000 arrests recorded in December 2023. Additionally, Mexican authorities have intensified surveillance at their borders, while former President Joe Biden imposed severe restrictions on asylum in mid-last year.
Despite the Trump administration expressing that it prioritizes the deportation of migrants with criminal records, statistics show that about 14 percent of those detained between January 25 and February 8 had no prior records. Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, confirmed that there were 229 arrests at the border in a 24-hour period, the lowest number he has seen since 1984, when he joined the Border Patrol.
The current administration has made its goal clear to reduce illegal crossings to zero. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks stated that he will not be satisfied until total operational control of the border is achieved. In this regard, the Department of Homeland Security launched an expensive video advertising campaign, both in the United States and internationally, with a clear message of deterrence to those attempting to enter the country illegally.