US-Mexico border sees historic decline in illegal crossings March numbers at 7,000

Illegal border crossings at the US-Mexico border have plummeted dramatically, with only around 7,000 migrants apprehended in March, marking a 94% decrease from the 137,000 recorded in March of the previous year.

This significant reduction follows a trend from February, where illegal crossings were also the lowest in at least 25 years, with roughly 8,300 migrants caught, Caliber.Az reports via The New York Post.

The sharp decline is being attributed to the "Trump effect," according to multiple sources within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). One source told The Post, “Migrants are scared there are consequences now,” adding that “everyone who is caught is charged and does time.” Another source emphasized that “illegal entries into the United States are no longer a backdoor way to getting status.”

The majority of the 7,000 illegal crossings occurred in the San Diego and El Paso border sectors.

If this trend continues, illegal border crossings could hit the lowest levels since 1968.

The reduction follows a series of measures implemented by former President Trump, including declaring a national emergency at the border, sending thousands of additional troops to the region, shutting down asylum for illegal crossers, and launching a mass deportation campaign across the country.

As border crossings slow, Border Patrol has been able to close several processing centers, previously used to hold migrants for short periods. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is also reporting that its detention space is at full capacity and has requested additional funding from Congress to support its ongoing mass deportation efforts.

In addition to the deportation focus, the Trump administration has intensified efforts to remove gang members from the country, including members of the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared that 17 suspected gang members were deported to El Salvador recently, where they will face prison conditions without due process.

By Tamilla Hasanova