Staff Reports
The southern border has seen a dramatic turnaround under President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement. After years of record-high illegal crossings during the Biden administration, the number of “known gotaways”—migrants who evade detection—has plummeted by 93%, according to recent reports. This marks a significant shift from the daily average of 1,800 gotaways under Biden to just 132 per day since Trump’s return to office. The change underscores the effectiveness of Trump’s hardline policies and his administration’s commitment to restoring border security.
Central to this success is Tom Homan, Trump’s newly appointed “border czar.” Homan, a veteran of immigration enforcement, has vowed to bring the number of gotaways down to zero. His approach combines rigorous surveillance technology with increased manpower and stricter consequences for illegal crossings. Speaking at CPAC, Homan emphasized that delivering tangible results is key to deterring unlawful entry. Under his leadership, ICE has already arrested thousands of illegal migrants, including gang members and individuals linked to foreign criminal organizations like Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua.
The contrast between Trump’s policies and those of the previous administration could not be more stark. During Biden’s tenure, lax enforcement and open-border rhetoric contributed to unprecedented levels of illegal immigration, with over 670,000 gotaways recorded in fiscal year 2023 alone. Critics of Biden’s approach argue that it compromised national security and strained local communities. In contrast, Trump’s policies prioritize law and order, ensuring that those entering the country do so legally while addressing public safety concerns tied to unchecked migration.
Trump’s administration has also reignited debates about immigration reform and border infrastructure. His push to complete the border wall and pressure sanctuary cities to cooperate with federal authorities reflects his broader strategy of deterrence through enforcement. These measures have garnered widespread support among conservatives who view border security as essential to preserving American sovereignty and protecting citizens from criminal activity linked to illegal immigration.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Homan has acknowledged that achieving zero gotaways will require sustained effort and cooperation across federal agencies. However, the dramatic reduction in illegal crossings signals a promising start for Trump’s second term. As his administration continues to implement stricter policies, it is clear that prioritizing border security resonates with Americans who demand accountability and results from their leaders. With strong leadership and decisive action, the southern border is on track toward greater stability and safety—a victory for all Americans concerned about the rule of law.
