In a historic push for border security, the Trump administration is poised to achieve a long-elusive goal of "operational control" over the U.S. border as early as next year, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The administration's aggressive overhaul of immigration policies and enforcement strategies has set the stage for what could be the most secure year at the U.S.-Mexico border in history by fiscal year 2025, with complete control targeted for 2026.

This term, "operational control," comes from the Secure Fence Act of 2006, which defines it as preventing all unlawful entries into the United States. This includes stopping terrorists, unauthorized individuals, narcotics, and other contraband from crossing the border. No previous administration has met this stringent standard since the law's passage.

Historic security measures underway

The Trump administration's approach marks a sharp departure from the policies of former President Joe Biden. Under Biden, millions of illegal migrants were allowed to enter the country, a trend that Trump has actively reversed with stringent new measures.

These measures include a focus on securing the physical border to halt the influx of illegal crossings. Additionally, the administration has implemented reforms to visa programs, introducing better vetting processes and stricter standards. Access to benefits for those abusing visa programs has also been curtailed.

Jessica M. Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies highlighted the comprehensive nature of these efforts. "Trump has attacked the immigration problem on all fronts," she said. "He took care of the land borders first, to stop the influx, and now he is stemming the tide of visa program abusers with better vetting, stricter standards, and cutting off access to benefits."

Unprecedented progress achieved

Recent data from Customs and Border Protection, analyzed by former immigration judge Andrew Arthur, indicates that the southern border is now more secure than ever. Arthur predicts a significant milestone based on current trends.

"If current trends continue, FY 2025 will be the most secure year in history at the U.S.-Mexico line, and DHS will achieve complete 'operational control' of our borders in FY 2026," Arthur stated. This projection underscores the impact of the administration's enforcement strategies.

Beyond the border, interior enforcement has also seen notable progress. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working with local partners, has ramped up efforts to remove illegal immigrants from within the country.

Interior enforcement gains momentum

Vaughan acknowledged the challenges of interior enforcement but praised the strides made. "The hardest part is the interior enforcement cleanup, but ICE and the local partners have made truly impressive progress," she said.

While the number of removals has fallen short of White House expectations, the visible presence of law enforcement in communities has had a powerful effect. Vaughan noted the surge in voluntary departures as a key outcome.

"While the removal numbers are less than the White House was hoping for, for a variety of reasons, the very public show of law enforcement in communities everywhere, and lack of success for resisters in blocking it, has convinced a huge number of illegal migrants to go home on their own," she explained. "The number of migrants self-deporting is probably at least five times greater than in recent years."

Long-term implications awaited

The success of these policies is seen as a model for future immigration enforcement. Vaughan emphasized the broader significance of these achievements. "Trump has proven that the border can be controlled, and that the skeptics who said that self-deportation was a fantasy have been proven wrong," she said.

Public support for tough enforcement measures, including actions against employers and non-criminal migrants, has also become evident. Vaughan believes this momentum must be sustained. "No one can credibly claim that amnesty or more visas are the only solution to illegal immigration," she added.

Looking ahead, the administration aims to make these policies a permanent fixture to ensure lasting border security. Vaughan stressed the importance of continuity, noting, "Trump needs to keep it up. Two million fewer illegal aliens is helpful, but it’s less than one-fourth the number that Biden allowed in.