Trump’s Border Triumph

In a political landscape often mired in hyperbole, President Donald J. Trump’s decisive actions to secure the southern border stand out as a rare and resounding success. Since taking office, Trump has delivered on his campaign promise to restore order and protect American sovereignty, transforming a chaotic border situation into one of unprecedented control. The statistics speak for themselves: under Trump’s leadership, illegal border crossings have plummeted to historic lows, proving that strong policies, not endless debate, are the key to securing our nation.

Let’s start with the numbers. In December 2024, the final full month of the Biden administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded approximately 47,330 migrant apprehensions at the southern border. By February 2025, Trump’s first full month in office, this number had nosedived to just 8,450—a staggering 70% drop from January’s 29,000 and the lowest monthly tally in at least 25 years. Compare this to the peak of Biden’s border crisis in December 2023, when apprehensions hit nearly 250,000, and the contrast is undeniable. Trump’s policies have slashed illegal crossings to levels not seen since the early 2000s, a feat even skeptics can’t ignore.

Another critical metric is “gotaways”—migrants who cross undetected, often posing significant public safety risks. Under Biden, gotaways averaged 1,837 per day in fiscal year 2023, totaling 670,674 for the year. In stark contrast, under Trump, the daily average over a recent 21-day period dropped to just 77—a jaw-dropping 99% reduction from Biden’s peak. This isn’t just a statistical win; it’s a game-changer for communities burdened by the consequences of unchecked migration.

What’s behind this remarkable turnaround? Trump’s no-nonsense approach. On day one, he issued executive orders suspending entry of undocumented migrants and scrapping Biden’s CBP One app, which had allowed migrants to schedule asylum appointments while waiting in Mexico. This move alone stranded an estimated 30,000 migrants in Mexico, sending a clear message: the border is no longer an open door. Trump also resumed construction of the border wall, with over 85 miles in planning or underway, and deployed thousands of troops to assist Border Patrol. Unlike Biden’s reliance on half-measures and diplomatic pleas, Trump’s strategy is rooted in enforcement and deterrence.

The results extend beyond crossings. Fentanyl trafficking, a scourge fueling America’s overdose crisis, has also taken a hit. From March 2024 to March 2025, fentanyl traffic at the southern border fell by 54%, a testament to Trump’s focus on shutting down smuggling routes. This is no small victory when you consider the thousands of lives lost annually to this deadly drug.

This success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about restoring faith in a system that many Americans felt had abandoned them. Under Biden, over 10.3 million encounters were recorded at the southern border since 2021, compared to 3.1 million during Trump’s first term (2017-2020). Communities faced strained resources, rising crime, and a sense of insecurity. Trump’s policies have reversed this tide, delivering not just statistical wins but tangible relief to border states like Texas, which bore the brunt of Biden’s open-border experiment.

Of course, the left will cry foul, claiming Trump’s measures are too harsh. But what’s harsher: securing the border or allowing millions to flood in, overwhelming schools, hospitals, and local governments? The American people, with 80% disapproving of the nation’s immigration response in 2023, clearly demanded change. Trump listened, delivering results that align with the will of the majority.

As we celebrate this victory, we must acknowledge that the fight isn’t over. Trump’s policies have set a new standard, but sustaining this progress requires vigilance. His designation of gangs like Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organizations and the arrest of over 150,000 aliens, including 600 gang members, show a commitment to tackling the root causes of border-related crime. This is leadership that puts America first.

President Trump’s border success is a masterclass in keeping promises. The numbers don’t lie: from 47,330 monthly apprehensions to 8,450, from 1,837 daily gotaways to 77, and a 54% drop in fentanyl trafficking, the southern border is more secure than ever.

This is what competence looks like. It’s time to applaud Trump for delivering the secure border America deserves.

Editor’s note: Jake Eaton is an entrepreneur, investor, and Republican political consultant based in Billings, MT.  Mr. Eaton is an investor in the parent company of this site.