Illegal entries along the United States' southern border have drastically decreased this month, hitting levels unseen since the 1960s thanks to measures introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.

The sharp decline in illegal crossings is credited to a combination of Trump's leadership, collaboration with Mexico, and stringent policies implemented at the border, as the Daily Wire reports.

Data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveal that illegal migrant crossings have reached a significant low. This month, an average of just 359 individuals have been processed each day attempting to cross the border illegally. This figure marks a 90% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Daily Migrant Processing Hits New Low

In early February, CBP recorded 3,953 illegal encounters at the southern border. If the current pace continues, it is projected that total crossings for the month might just reach or even fall below 10,000. This number is comparable to April 2017, when around 11,000 people were apprehended.

In stark contrast, the previous year saw a daily average of about 4,800 individuals attempting to cross through these areas during the cooler month of February. The recent drastic reduction has raised discussions on what might have contributed to these historical lows.

An important component of the Trump administration's strategy was the collaboration with Mexican authorities. In response to threats of tariffs from the U.S., Mexico deployed 10,000 troops along its northern frontier. This move was aimed at curbing the flow of migrants attempting to reach the United States through Mexican territory.

Policy Changes Contribute to Success

Apart from cooperation with Mexico, the U.S. administration has implemented several strict policies. One of the significant changes is the end of the "catch and release" policy, which previously allowed certain migrants to remain in the U.S. while awaiting immigration proceedings. Instead, many migrants are now detained or swiftly deported.

Furthermore, there has been a resumption of deportation flights to Venezuela, targeting individuals who are in the country illegally. Additionally, certain criminal offenders have been relocated to Guantanamo Bay for detention.

Mark Krikorian, executive director at the Center for Immigration Studies, noted the significance of these figures, indicating they "haven’t had numbers this low since the 1960s."

Reactions and Perspectives on Border Security

The changes have been perceived positively in some communities along the border, where previously high crossings occurred more frequently. Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland from Terrell County, Texas, expressed a sense of "relief" regarding the decreased number of illegal crossings.

John Gramlich from the Pew Research Center commented on the reduced migrant numbers as being remarkably low. The sharp decrease is frequently attributed to the empowerment provided by the Trump administration to border agents.

Border Patrol chief Mike Banks emphasized that border security personnel were always capable of managing the situation.

However, the decisive actions and policies by the commander-in-chief facilitated them in achieving these significant reductions.

Future Implications and Observations

As the month of February progresses, CBP officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure that these numbers remain low or decrease further. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration between neighboring countries in handling immigration issues effectively.

Critics of the administration remain vocal about the stringent measures, citing humanitarian concerns and the potential for harsh treatment of migrants. Nevertheless, supporters underscore the necessity of upholding border security and law enforcement.

The combination of dynamic policy changes, international cooperation, and decisive leadership has indeed resulted in notable historical outcomes. The future of these policies and their long-term implications remains a topic of discussion among officials, border communities, and the public alike.

The ongoing situation at the U.S. southern border serves as a testament to the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement. As these policies continue to be enforced, the global community watches closely, observing both the successes and challenges faced by the involved entities.

The significant reduction in illegal border crossings is a focal point in the ongoing conversation about immigration and border security in the United States. This development has set the stage for further assessment and potential future reforms aimed at optimizing security and immigration processes.