Trump Border Policy Slashes Migrant Releases by 97%

President Donald Trump border policy has seen a dramatic turnaround, with Border Patrol agents returning over 99 percent of illegal border crossers in May alone, according to reports reviewed by Breitbart Texas. The sharp contrast with Biden-era policies has reignited debate over immigration enforcement and national security.

More than 8,500 migrants were apprehended crossing illegally from Mexico into the United States in May. While slightly higher than April, the numbers remain far below those under President Joe Biden’s administration. In his final month in office, December 2024, over 29,000 illegal crossings were recorded—the lowest monthly figure of his term.

Since President Trump took office in January, apprehensions have averaged 9,300 per month. Despite steady traffic, fewer than 80 migrants per month have been released into the U.S., a staggering drop compared to Biden-era figures. Most of those released under the Trump administration are either medically at-risk or part of family units with extreme humanitarian considerations.

The numbers reflect a 97 percent decrease in migrant releases into the U.S. interior compared to policies under President Biden. A 2024 House Judiciary Committee report cited DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirming that in January 2024 alone, nearly 106,000 of the 124,215 apprehended migrants were released inside the country.

Under President Trump, nearly all migrants are immediately returned to Mexico, a designated safe third country, or their country of origin. The dramatic shift in policy has led to tighter border control, minimal releases, and a crackdown on unauthorized entries.

Customs and Border Protection officials attribute the new numbers to President Trump’s strict enforcement directives and removal protocols, which prioritize national security and reduce incentives for illegal entry.

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