The U.S. southern border has seen a sharp drop in illegal immigrant encounters in the first days of the Trump administration, compared to the final few days of the Biden administration, according to multiple Department of Homeland Security sources.
Sharp drop in encounters reported
The number of Border Patrol encounters at the southern border in the first three days of the Trump administration is 35% lower than the final three days of the Biden administration. These figures exclude encounters at the northern border and at ports of entry managed by Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Field Operations.
On January 17, there were 1,288 encounters nationwide, followed by 1,266 on January 18 and 1,354 on January 19, totaling 3,908 encounters. After President Donald Trump took office on January 20, the numbers dropped to 1,073 encounters, and further declined to 736 on January 21 and 714 on January 22, amounting to 2,523 encounters.
Fluctuating trends under previous administration
Border numbers have fluctuated significantly over time, but figures remained relatively low after June 2024, when President Joe Biden signed an executive order limiting asylum. This came after a historic migrant crisis that shattered records beginning in 2021.
Swift changes to border policy
Upon taking office, Trump implemented multiple restrictive measures to address illegal immigration. He declared a national emergency at the border, deployed the military, and ended the use of the CBP One app for processing migrants at ports of entry via humanitarian parole.
The Trump administration also launched a mass deportation operation, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents actively operating across multiple cities and states in the U.S.
Focus on expedited removal
The Department of Homeland Security issued memos rescinding limits previously placed on ICE by the Biden administration. These memos expanded expedited removal processes for recently arrived illegal immigrants and ordered a review of parole practices.
Border wall construction resumes
Trump’s administration also moved to restore border wall construction and reinstate the Remain-in-Mexico policy. This policy requires asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed in U.S. courts.
Controversial end to birthright citizenship
In a bold move, Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants. This decision quickly sparked lawsuits from nearly two dozen Democratic-led states.
Speculation over the “Trump effect”
Although the data is preliminary, the steep decline in border encounters has sparked speculation about a potential “Trump effect.” Migrants may now be discouraged from attempting to cross the border due to the perception that entry is less likely, or deportation is more probable under the current administration.
