Staff Reports
The border situation has taken a remarkable turn, and it appears that a little effective governing goes a long way. January saw a staggering 85% drop in apprehensions of illegal migrants along the southern U.S. border, a statistic that has many wondering if the Biden Administration accidentally stumbled onto a successful strategy. But hold the applause; the resumes of this newfound success are adorned with the actions of one very specific previous administration—Donald Trump’s.
As U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently reported, this dramatic drop was during the short window between January 21 and January 31, 2025. It surely raises questions about how the top brass at the agency are celebrating this accomplishment and whether they’re planning a fancy gala at a local taco truck or just a casual team meeting. The grass seemed greener at the border after Trump’s executive orders were dusted off and put into action, declaring a national emergency that even had our military involved. Maybe the troops were pulling double duty, guarding the border and keeping the White House on its toes.
The figures reveal just how effective strong leadership and clear policies can be. After Trump resumed office, illegal migrants apprehended at ports of entry plummeted by an astonishing 93% within the first 11 days. That kind of number doesn’t just happen in sports; it calls for a victory lap! But the left may not be ready to admit that a no-nonsense approach to border crisis management produces results. While Biden’s approach saw rampant illegal crossings due to a lax asylum process, it took only a shift back to Trump-era policies to see a measurable impact.
Leading THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER homepage
Southern border arrests dropped in January to lowest since height of pandemic https://t.co/uxDqLprxkR pic.twitter.com/jA6CPFdWS8
— Anna Giaritelli (@Anna_Giaritelli) February 18, 2025
The Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, Pete Flores, acknowledged the hard work of border agents who are fully embracing the President’s executive orders. The report also points to a significant uptick in repatriations, meaning fewer agents are stuck babysitting illegal crossers when they could be out enforcing the law. It’s almost as if a well-fortified border brings back order, peace, and maybe even a good ol’ barbecue in the Rio Grande Valley.
The increased patrols by both CPB and National Guard troops, which have been likened to a buddy cop movie without the romantic subplot, also add to the effectiveness of border security measures. With a formidable presence at the border, one has to wonder if the ghosts of illegality are channeling their inner Houdini, opting to disappear rather than face the music. One thing is clear: the success stories from the border are back on the table, and they’re sounding like a powerful argument for a return to law and order at the southern boundary of the United States.
