The Obama administration’s immigration policy extended far beyond compassion and encouraged outright lawlessness along the nation’s southern border. New numbers from Customs and Border Protection show that even just the threat of increased border enforcement under the Trump administration has been enough to drastically reduce illegal crossings.
The figures, released Wednesday by CBP, revealed a 40 percent drop in the number of apprehensions along the border during President Donald Trump’s first month in the White House.
The drop in the number of illegal crossings, down to 18,762 from 31,578 a month earlier, is especially impressive because CBP usually expects a 10 to 20 percent increase in illegal immigration activity at the beginning of the year.
“As directed in my memoranda implementing the President’s executive orders, we remain committed to carrying out fair, impartial and humane enforcement of the nation’s immigration laws,” Homeland Security Director John Kelly said in a press release.  “We will remain vigilant to respond to any changes in these trends, as numbers of illegal crossings typically increase between March and May. However, the early results show that enforcement matters, deterrence matters, and that comprehensive immigration enforcement can make an impact.”
Prior to Trump’s inauguration, activity along the southern border spiked as individuals attempted to make their way into the U.S. illegally before the new administration’s policies would take effect.
Amid the spike, immigration officials noted that human traffickers were increasing prices and taking advantages of the most desperate immigrants.
“This trend is encouraging because it means many fewer people are putting themselves and their families at risk of exploitation, assault and injury by human traffickers and the physical dangers of the treacherous journey north,” Kelley said.