The U.S. Border Patrol reported that July 2024 marked the lowest number of apprehensions at the southwestern border in history, with only 4,399 total. This figure represents a significant decline from the previous record high of 249,785 in December 2023. The dramatic drop has been cited as a major achievement by the Trump administration, which attributes the reduction to its enforcement policies.
American media outlets like Fox News have been emphasizing the Trump administration’s role in achieving these record lows. They note that the daily average of apprehensions has been as low as 141, which is a vast contrast to the peak of 10,000+ daily in December 2023. The administration is crediting various measures implemented during the Trump presidency, such as the deployment of troops to the border, the closure of the CBP One app, and the introduction of the CBP Home app for self-deportation, as the driving factors behind this shift.
As part of their strategy, the administration has also been promoting a program that encourages undocumented residents to voluntarily return to their home countries. This includes offering incentives such as financial assistance and travel reimbursement under certain conditions. The success of these initiatives is being highlighted as a testament to the effectiveness of the Trump administration’s policies, with bipartisan support from some Republican legislators and a growing sense of relief among border communities.
In a further development, the Trump-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act has been passed, allocating significant resources for border security. This includes funding to reimburse states for expenses incurred during the previous administration, as well as financial support for the expansion of ICE’s workforce. These measures are seen as a crucial step in strengthening border enforcement and addressing long-standing issues that had plagued the border regions for years.
Despite the positive outcomes, the administration is also facing challenges, including pushback from Democratic officials and the ongoing need to allocate additional resources for border security. Nevertheless, the administration remains confident in its approach, with continued efforts to implement policies that ensure the southern border remains secure and manageable.