Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland noted a ‘dramatic decline’ in illegal migrant crossings, attributing it to the Trump administration’s policies. The sheriff mentioned that the decline, which coincided with a full moon cycle typically associated with increased border activity, was particularly notable in the last two weeks. This trend aligns with recent reports from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which indicated a 93% drop in apprehensions in April 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Cleveland highlighted the challenges faced during the Biden administration, including record levels of crossings and fatalities, which he attributed to the previous administration’s policies. The sheriff’s comments come days after a California migrant center closed due to an unprecedented decrease in crossings, indicating a national trend.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, praised the current state of border security, stating that the U.S. border is the most secure in the nation’s history. He credited the administration’s policies, including executive orders and agreements with Mexico, as essential to the current success. Cleveland also mentioned the potential for further closures of migrant facilities if the trend of declining crossings continues, suggesting a possible shift in resource allocation. The sheriff emphasized that maintaining these facilities when crossings are at historic lows is unnecessary, allowing funds to be redirected to other border areas. The closure of the California migrant center serves as a clear example of this trend, reflecting broader changes in border management and policy across the United States.