Trump Declares "Invasion Over" as Border Apprehensions Plummet
Former President Donald Trump has asserted a dramatic victory in border security, claiming the "invasion" of the United States is "OVER" following the initial month of his return to office. This declaration comes amidst a reported sharp decline in illegal immigrant apprehensions at the southern border, a figure Trump contrasts sharply with those under the Biden administration.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, highlighted the apprehension numbers reported by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). These numbers indicate that 8,326 individuals attempting to enter the country illegally were apprehended in his first full month back in office. Trump characterized this as a record-setting low and a stark contrast to the situation under his predecessor.
According to Trump, those apprehended are swiftly dealt with, being either "quickly ejected from our Nation or, when necessary, prosecuted for crimes against the United States of America." This emphasis on rapid removal and prosecution is a key component of Trump’s border security strategy, signaling a firm stance against illegal immigration.
The former president draws a direct comparison between his administration’s initial performance and that of the Biden administration. He points to CBP figures from December 2023, which show 301,981 encounters at the southern border. Trump frames the 8,326 apprehensions under his leadership as a staggering 96% drop from those "Biden administration highs."
"This means that very few people came – The Invasion of our Country is OVER," Trump declared in his social media post. He further emphasized this contrast by stating that under Joe Biden, approximately 300,000 "Illegals" crossed the border in a single month, with "virtually ALL of them" being released into the country. He credits his administration’s policies with effectively closing the border to illegal immigration.
While Trump focuses on the apprehension numbers, the article provides broader context on immigration enforcement. In fiscal year 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly carried out 271,484 removals. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported approximately 700,000 removals and returns, a figure exceeding those of any fiscal year since 2010. This suggests a sustained effort in removing individuals deemed to be in the country illegally, regardless of the administration in power.
The article notes that the Biden administration faced numerous days where apprehensions approached 10,000 individuals, surpassing the current administration’s monthly total. This underscores the scale of the challenge faced by both administrations in managing border security.
Trump attributes his administration’s "accomplishments" to executive action and stricter messaging, particularly in the absence of a signed border bill. He reiterates that anyone attempting to enter the U.S.A. illegally will face significant criminal penalties and immediate deportation. This policy message is intended as a deterrent to potential illegal border crossers.
The article highlights several key policy changes implemented by the Trump administration aimed at curbing illegal immigration. These include:
- Declaring a national emergency at the border.
- Deploying the U.S. military to the border.
- Ending birthright citizenship (This action may face legal challenges due to the 14th amendment).
- Suspending refugee admissions.
- Ending the use of an app at the southern border to admit migrants via humanitarian parole.
- Resuming border wall construction.
These actions demonstrate a comprehensive and assertive approach to border security, encompassing both enforcement measures and restrictions on entry pathways.
Furthermore, the Pentagon has reportedly stepped in to assist with border security, deploying troops to the southern border and opening up Guantánamo Bay to migrants. This signifies a heightened level of security response.
The DHS has also overturned ICE restrictions previously put in place by the Biden administration. This allows law enforcement to operate in "sensitive" locations, conduct expedited removals, and review the parole status of migrants. These changes aim to streamline enforcement processes and increase the efficiency of removals.
According to DHS data obtained by Fox News Digital, interior ICE arrests increased significantly from January 20 to February 8, compared to the same period in 2024. The data shows 11,791 interior ICE arrests compared to 4,969, a 137% increase.
The article mentions "high-profile raids" in so-called "sanctuary" cities, resulting in a large number of daily arrests, including those of violent criminals and gang members. These raids demonstrate a renewed focus on interior enforcement, targeting individuals who pose a threat to public safety.
The article also claims the country has financially benefited from the new border policies. It says that tens of millions of dollars were taken back from New York City, money that was originally designated for hotels housing migrants.
The administration has also directed all federal agencies to identify and address federally funded programs that provide financial benefits to illegal immigrants. The goal is to ensure that federal funds are not used to support sanctuary policies or assist illegal immigration. This move reflects a broader effort to restrict resources available to those in the country illegally.
In conclusion, the article paints a picture of a dramatic shift in border security policy under the Trump administration, characterized by increased enforcement, stricter messaging, and a concerted effort to curb illegal immigration. The reported decline in apprehension numbers is presented as evidence of the success of these policies, leading to the declaration that the "invasion" of the country is "OVER." However, the broader context of ongoing immigration enforcement and the potential legal challenges to some of the administration’s actions suggest a more complex and evolving situation.
