Staff Reports
A curious phenomenon is emerging at the southern border, one that conservative Americans might view as a sign that stricter immigration enforcement is starting to pack a punch. Migrants, weary of uncertainties and increasingly deterred by President Trump’s robust deportation policies, are opting to head back home rather than continue their journey toward the United States. It seems that a stern approach might just be working after all, sending would-be crossers scrambling back south.
Chief Michael W. Banks of the U.S. Border Patrol has noted that reports indicate groups of migrants, particularly from Central America, are spotted retreating. It’s a trend reminiscent of that classic “turn back, you won’t like what you find” signboards seen in horror movies. In Honduras, authorities have noted almost 50 migrants moving in the opposite direction, abandoning their dreams of crossing the U.S./Mexico border. Instead of finding freedom and opportunity, they are choosing the relative safety of their own countries. The real estate market in Honduras must be booming with all that property suddenly opening up.
In an eye-popping turn of events, Honduran officials reported a group of 26 migrants from Venezuela and Cuba heading to Nicaragua, while another group of 23 found themselves reverting to Honduras after being turned away from Mexico. These retreating groups include people from various countries, proving that Americans aren’t the only ones who know when to cut their losses. Apparently, the allure of the American Dream is now dramatically dimmed by the practical realities of a no-nonsense immigration policy.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the results of these enhanced enforcement efforts have been staggering. They recorded a jaw-dropping 96 percent drop in migrant encounters compared to last year. Just imagine the coffee breaks—Border Patrol agents could likely spend more time sipping their brews than apprehending migrants these days. In a mere week, Border Patrol sectors in Texas apprehended 1,461 migrants, giving new meaning to the phrase “less is more.” The spotlight remains on the El Paso Sector, which appears to be leading the charge with 612 apprehensions.
Trump Effect: Migrants Abandoning Attempts to Reach, Stay in United States https://t.co/UciD8xiOln
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) February 12, 2025
With fewer migrants entering the U.S., non-government shelters across Texas and Arizona are shutting down like businesses unable to compete in a tightened market. The previous practice of “Catch and Release” has been significantly curtailed, thanks to the Trump administration’s approach, leaving shelters without a steady influx of people to provide services for. Just recently, the Migrant Resource Center in San Antonio closed its doors, and two more fell silent in Pima County, Arizona—showing how swiftly policies can change the landscape.
In a twist of fate, it seems that a tougher stance on immigration has led to both fewer arrivals at the border and the shuttering of facilities that relied on the continuous flow of migrants. It’s a classic case of policy having real-world ramifications—who would have thought? While some may lament the closures, conservatives might consider this a positive sign that America is reclaiming its borders—and its sense of order. The question remains, will the trend hold, or will the tides of migration shift again? For now, it looks like the message is clear: if you plan to descend upon America, it might be best to reconsider your options first.
