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President Donald J. Trump wasted no time in delivering on his long-promised crackdown on illegal immigration, issuing a clear message to those attempting to cross the border: “Don't even bother trying, or you'll be turned away.” sent a decisive message. Mr. Trump's actions in his first days in office were in stark contrast to President Joe Biden's 2016 call for would-be immigrants from around the world to “swarm the border.”
Under the previous administration, Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden's border czar, famously declared “don't come” during a visit to Guatemala. They came anyway, ignoring her empty rhetoric and instead focusing on open arms at the border.
Border crossings soon surged to record levels, overwhelming Border Patrol agents, threatening national security, and endangering American lives.
Active-duty troops begin arriving at U.S.-Mexico border in Texas and California to fight migrant crisis
President Trump's first day in office shows his ability to act. One of the most direct effects of President Trump's border policies has been a dramatic reduction in illegal border crossings. Encounters at ports of entry, such as international airports and official border crossings, fell by 97% by the second day of the Trump administration, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. Overall, the encounter rate at the southern border decreased by 35% when comparing the last three days of the Biden administration to the first three days of the Trump administration.
On Friday, January 24, 2025, U.S. Marines are working with U.S. Border Patrol along the southern border. (Courtesy of Trump administration official)
The numbers say it all.
In the last three full days of the Biden administration, the number of encounters with migrants at ports of entry averaged 1,645 per day. By comparison, President Trump's removal of the CBPOne app within 15 minutes of his swearing-in led to a dramatic drop in port-of-entry encounters to fewer than 500 encounters per day during Trump's first three days in office; As of 8 p.m. on March 22nd, there were 44 cases. office.
Under the Biden administration, the app was touted as a “legal means” for nearly 1 million immigrants to enter the United States, but critics say it provides an entry mechanism that can be easily exploited. They argued that this would weaken border security. By eliminating the app, President Trump reasserted control of the border and closed a loophole that allowed illegal border crossings.
In addition to suspending the CBPOne app, the Trump administration has begun reinstating proven policies such as the Remain in Mexico program, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. This policy not only deters fraudulent asylum claims, but also reduces strain on U.S. resources and infrastructure.
Additionally, the administration has prioritized ending “catch-and-release” and increasing the repatriation of illegal aliens who have committed crimes, and is also requesting assistance from the U.S. military to bring deportees home. There is. These actions clearly demonstrate that the United States is once again committed to enforcing our immigration laws and securing our borders.
Trump's success on the border will have cascading effects. Here are five to look out for:
1. Illegal crossing attempts are on the decline
The decisive actions taken by the Trump administration will likely thwart future illegal entry attempts. Migrants and people smugglers will find that the political environment has changed and it has become much more difficult to cross borders illegally. Success leads to success.
2. Cartel adaptation
There is no doubt that Mexico's criminal drug and human trafficking cartels and their allies in the Mexican government will coordinate their tactics. Plans to redouble efforts to target U.S. and local officials with threats and bribes to reopen smuggling routes. The newly energized FBI under the Trump administration, particularly Director nominee Kash Patel, must remain vigilant to counter these evolving threats.
On January 22, 2025, ICE-ERO New York City arrested Jose Roberto Rodriguez Urbina, 22 years old, a national of El Salvador. Rodriguez is an alleged member of the MS13 gang and is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice from El Salvador for extortion charges. (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
3. Mexican government response
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Mexican government has already begun to adapt to the new realities of President Trump's leadership, and on January 20th will hold a “Mexico te Abraza” (Mexico te Abraza) event to welcome returning Mexican nationals. I will hold you) started the program. The program, which features a new mobile app, comes in response to rumors of large-scale ICE raids in workplaces. Mexican nationals returning home through Mexico te Abraza will be issued a debit card worth approximately $90 to cover the cost of their return trip.
4. Labor market adjustment
As illegal immigration declines, certain industries, such as agriculture and hospitality, may face labor shortages. This could result in upward pressure on wages, which could benefit American workers, albeit with some short-term inflationary effects.
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5. The rise of automation
In the longer term, industries affected by labor shortages are likely to turn to automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to meet demand. Historical examples, such as the mechanization of tomato harvesting in California in the 1960s following labor shortages, demonstrate how innovation can offset declining labor supply.
In 1961, 25 mechanical harvesters harvested 0.5% of California's tomato crop. Just nine years later, 99.9% of California's tomato crop was mechanically harvested. Investments in automation will reduce dependence on migrant workers while increasing efficiency. And the machines don't receive taxpayer-funded benefits or overwhelm emergency rooms.
There is no doubt that Mexico's criminal drug and human trafficking cartels and their allies in the Mexican government will coordinate their tactics. Plans to redouble efforts to target U.S. and local officials with threats and bribes to reopen smuggling routes.
Mr. Trump's rapid success in curbing illegal immigration is proof that strong, decisive leadership is effective.
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His early actions, from eliminating the CBPOne app to reinstating policies like Remain in Mexico, mark a major departure from the Biden administration's lenient stance toward illegal immigrants and criminals from around the world.
As the number of border crossings plummets and America's immigration system regains control, it's clear there's a new sheriff in town who is committed to putting America's security and sovereignty first.
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