Jobaaj Stories
The number of migrant arrests at the US-Mexico border in December 2024 was lower than the levels observed when former President Donald Trump completed his term in 2020. This drop in migrant apprehensions is part of a broader shift in border dynamics, although it remains a subject of debate and concern as the United States prepares for another presidential transition.
December Arrest Numbers
According to recent data shared with Reuters, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended approximately 47,000 migrants illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in December 2024. This figure marks a significant decrease compared to the staggering 250,000 migrant arrests recorded in December 2023, under the Biden administration. Additionally, the number of arrests in December 2024 is notably lower than the 71,000 recorded in December 2020, during Trump’s final month in office.
This drop suggests a level of stability in border security. However, the number of migrant arrests in the final months of 2020 had seen a spike, and these trends highlight a complex and fluctuating situation at the border.
Comparison with Canadian Border Arrests
Migrant arrests at the U.S.-Canada border also showed a downward trend. In December 2024, about 500 migrants were caught attempting to cross the northern border, a decrease from the 700 recorded in November 2024. While the numbers for the Canadian border are much smaller compared to the southern border, they reflect broader trends in U.S. immigration enforcement.
Trump's Upcoming Policies and Promises
With Donald Trump poised to return to the White House on January 20, 2025, his administration is expected to reverse or overhaul several of the policies instituted by President Joe Biden. Trump has repeatedly promised to intensify measures against illegal immigration, including mass deportations. According to Trump’s close ally, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, the incoming administration will need significant resources, with estimates of $100 billion being required to fund these initiatives. This amount is even higher than the budgets of many federal agencies.
Impact of Biden’s Policies: Under Biden’s presidency, the number of migrant arrests surged to record levels. However, the situation began to stabilize after tougher border policies were implemented in 2023. Mexico and Panama also played a role in curbing illegal immigration by increasing their border enforcement. Biden’s administration also introduced legal pathways for migrants, such as the CBP One app, which allows migrants in Mexico to schedule appointments for asylum at legal border crossings.
These new programs were designed to address illegal immigration by creating more orderly and controlled processes for entry into the United States. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas credited the success of these policies to international cooperation and the establishment of these new legal entry programs.
Despite the improvements, Republicans have criticized Biden’s legal entry programs, claiming they overstep executive authority. Trump has promised to end these programs once in office, arguing that they incentivize illegal immigration and that stricter policies will deter migrants from attempting to cross the border unlawfully.
The Future of Border Security
Doris Meissner, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, warned that Biden could be handing Trump a “quiet and stable border” as the new administration takes over. However, Meissner cautioned that if Trump simply dismantles Biden's policies without implementing effective alternatives, it could lead to an increase in migrant numbers, as many migrants remain waiting in Mexico.
Legal Entry Programs and Migrant App Usage: The CBP One app, introduced as part of Biden's efforts to streamline the asylum process, has been a key component in encouraging legal entry. Around 280,000 migrants in Mexico are reportedly logging onto the app daily to schedule appointments for legal entry. This number has remained steady, indicating the continued demand for the legal routes to enter the U.S.
Role of Mexico and International Cooperation
Mexico's cooperation with the U.S. has been critical in managing migration flows. The Mexican government significantly ramped up its enforcement efforts in response to pressure from the Biden administration. As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, both the U.S. and Mexico have worked to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration. Trump’s return to office, however, could change the dynamics of this relationship. He has suggested imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada until both nations agree to take stricter action against illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly the flow of fentanyl.
COVID-19 and Border Security
The start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 drastically impacted the number of migrant arrests. In the early months of the pandemic, migrant apprehensions plummeted as restrictions were imposed. However, as the pandemic continued and restrictions eased, the number of arrests began to rise once again. The increase in border crossings was partly due to repeat crossers attempting to enter the U.S. illegally multiple times.
Conclusion
The number of migrant arrests at the U.S.-Mexico border is currently lower than during the final months of Trump’s presidency. However, the situation remains fluid, and with Trump set to return to the White House, there are expectations that his administration will pursue aggressive measures to reduce illegal immigration. The outcome of these policies will likely depend on how effectively they are implemented and whether international cooperation can be maintained.
