U.S.-Mexico Border Illegal Crossings Drop to 1970 Low
Illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have hit their lowest levels since the early 1970s. In fiscal year 2025, which spans from October 2024 to September 2025, U.S. Border Patrol reported approximately 238,000 apprehensions of migrants attempting to cross the border unlawfully. This figure represents a significant decrease compared to previous years and aligns with the stringent immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration.
Significant Decrease in Apprehensions
The latest data from the Department of Homeland Security indicates that this 238,000 figure is the lowest since 1970, when the agency recorded about 202,000 apprehensions. This decline marks a drastic change from the record high of 2.2 million apprehensions in fiscal year 2022, which was under the Biden administration.
In fiscal year 2025, more than 60% of all apprehensions occurred in the final three months of Biden’s presidency. In contrast, during Trump’s initial months, the Border Patrol averaged fewer than 9,000 apprehensions each month—an amount that Biden’s administration could see in just 24 hours.
Month-by-Month Overview
- September 2025: Nearly 8,400 apprehensions
- August 2025: Approximately 6,300 apprehensions
- July 2025: About 4,600 apprehensions (record low)
These numbers highlight the sharp fall in illegal crossings over recent months, suggesting that enforcement measures have been effective in deterring migrants.
Policy Impact on Migrant Flow
Ariel Ruiz Soto, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, noted that the Trump administration’s strict policies established “a new normal” for migration patterns. These policies contributed significantly to deterring unauthorized border crossings.
Following Trump’s re-election, his administration resumed efforts to militarize the border. This included closing the asylum system and deploying thousands of soldiers to ensure control over crossings. Even as some asylum restrictions faced legal challenges, the administration intensified deportations and rapid reviews of migrant cases.
Community Reactions
The response to the administration’s policies has stirred national debate. Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have condemned these measures as inhumane and counter to U.S. and international laws. This has resulted in notable protests in major cities across the nation.
Local reactions along the southern border are also telling. John Martin, who runs a network of shelters in El Paso, Texas, mentioned that he has recently housed no migrants despite an earlier surge during the Biden administration. His observations suggest that there has indeed been a significant drop in new arrivals and attributed this change to Trump’s enforcement tactics.
Conclusion
The decline in illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border marks a pivotal moment in immigration policy. As apprehensions reach their lowest levels in over fifty years, the effectiveness of current policies continues to be a topic of significant discussion. Only time will tell how these trends evolve in response to ongoing policy changes and societal impacts.
