Trump’s Border Security Crackdown Leads to Drastic Drop in Border Crossings and Known Gotaways
Introduction
Since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, 2023, his administration has implemented comprehensive measures to secure the southern border, resulting in a significant drop in illegal crossings and known gotaways. According to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) source, the daily average number of known gotaways has plummeted by 93% since the beginning of February.
Biden Administration’s Gotaway Statistics
During the Biden administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded 670,674 known gotaways in FY 2023. This staggering number translates to an alarming average of over 1,800 per day. These "gotaways" are individuals who successfully entered the U.S. undetected by Border Patrol agents, often using cameras, sensors, or other means.
Trump Administration’s Border Security Policies
The Trump administration has taken a tough stance on border security, implementing a range of policies to deter illegal crossings and apprehend gotaways. These policies include:
- Increased physical barriers: Expanding the construction of walls and fences along the border.
- Heightened surveillance: Deploying additional Border Patrol agents and advanced technology to monitor and detect illegal crossings.
- Stricter enforcement: Crackdown on businesses that hire undocumented workers and increasing prosecutions of smugglers and human traffickers.
- Expedited deportations: Streamlining the deportation process for illegal immigrants.
Results of the Crackdown
The Trump administration’s border security measures have yielded tangible results:
- 93% drop in known gotaways: The daily average number of known gotaways has plummeted to just 132 per day since February.
- Plummeting border crossings: Migrants arriving at the southern border have declined by 63% since Trump took office.
- Increased criminal prosecutions: Criminal prosecutions for smuggling and human trafficking have increased.
- Surrendering migrants: Reports indicate that large groups of migrants in Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries are turning back to the south and surrendering to authorities.
DHS Response
A senior DHS official commented on the effectiveness of the Trump administration’s policies: "Delivering consequences has results. Illegal crossings are down, gotaways are down. Criminal prosecutions are on the rise. Policy matters."
Expert Commentary
Former Border Patrol Chief Tom Homan praised the Trump administration’s efforts: "After the first week, the Trump administration had removed and returned 7,300 illegal immigrants and had deported them to Mexico, Jordan, Brazil and El Salvador."
Conclusion
President Trump’s comprehensive approach to border security has proven highly effective in reducing illegal crossings and known gotaways. The Trump administration’s policies have sent a clear message that illegal immigration will not be tolerated and that the U.S. border will be secured. The dramatic drop in gotaways demonstrates that effective policies can address the challenges of border security and maintain the integrity of the nation’s borders.
