Illegal border crossings saw a significant decline in January, following the return of President Donald J. Trump to office and a swift implementation of strict border control measures.
According to newly released data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), only 61,465 individuals were apprehended at the southern border in January, marking a 36% decrease compared to the previous month. This total includes 29,116 apprehensions along the border, the lowest number since May 2020, as well as 32,349 at ports of entry.
Further data reveals a drastic drop in illegal immigration after President Trump resumed office. From January 21 to January 31, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border plummeted by 85% compared to the same period in 2024. Apprehensions at ports of entry fell by 93% during the same timeframe.
Under the previous administration, the average number of illegal encounters at the southern border in January was 141,710, a consequence of policies that allowed illegal immigrants to enter the country and remain indefinitely.
With President Trump’s policies in place, illegal border crossings have hit record lows, with many migrants quickly apprehended and returned to their countries.
