In the early days of Donald Trump's presidency, the number of illegal migrant encounters at the U.S. southern border has seen a significant decrease compared to the final week of Joe Biden's term, according to sources from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as reported by Fox News Digital.
Official statistics reveal that during Trump's first three days in office, detentions were reduced by 35% compared to the last three days under the Biden administration. It is important to note that these figures do not account for northern border encounters or those at entry ports managed by the Border Patrol's Office of Field Operations.
On January 17, the Border Patrol recorded 1,288 encounters; on January 18, 1,266; and on January 19, 1,354, culminating in 3,908 encounters. However, as Trump assumed office, the numbers began to plummet: January 20 saw 1,073 encounters, dropping to 736 on January 21, and further decreasing to 714 on January 22, totaling 2,523.
Despite daily and weekly fluctuations, a general downward trend has been observed since June, following Biden's executive order limiting asylum applications amid a historic migration crisis that set records in 2021.
Trump's Immigration Policies and Their Consequences
Since entering the White House, Trump has implemented a range of measures to toughen immigration policy. One of his administration's initial actions was declaring a national emergency at the border, deploying military troops, and halting the use of the CBP One app for processing migrants through humanitarian parole at ports of entry.
The Trump administration also launched a large-scale deportation operation, with ICE agents actively operating in various cities and states. Further, the DHS issued memorandums rescinding the restrictions on ICE set by the Biden administration, ordering a review of the parole program and expanding the use of expedited removal for recently arrived illegal immigrants.
Additional measures include the revival of border wall construction and the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which requires migrants to wait in Mexico while their asylum applications are processed, rather than staying in the United States.
Controversy and Criticism of Trump's Approach
Although the data remains preliminary, the decline in detentions has sparked speculation about a potential "Trump effect." Some experts propose that migrants might be deterred from approaching the border if they perceive a lower chance of being admitted or a higher likelihood of rapid deportation.
The Trump administration argues that these measures are essential to protect American communities from public safety threats. However, critics, including human rights groups, argue that the new policies endanger thousands of vulnerable migrants fleeing extreme circumstances in their home countries.
For instance, the mass deportation policy has been controversial, as some view it as an inhumane approach that fails to consider the situations of those seeking refuge in the United States.
FAQs on Trump's Immigration Policies
How has the number of illegal migrant encounters changed under Trump's administration?
There has been a notable 35% decrease in illegal migrant encounters at the southern border during the initial days of Trump's administration compared to the last days of Biden's presidency.
What measures has Trump implemented regarding immigration?
Trump declared a national emergency at the border, deployed military troops, halted the CBP One app, initiated a large-scale deportation operation, and reinstated the "Remain in Mexico" policy, among other actions.
What are the criticisms of Trump's immigration policies?
Critics argue that Trump's policies endanger vulnerable migrants fleeing dire situations, with some considering the mass deportation policy inhumane and lacking consideration for asylum seekers' circumstances.