Staff Reports
Former Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf has highlighted significant progress in U.S. border policy under President Donald Trump’s leadership, contrasting it sharply with the challenges of the Biden administration. According to Wolf, illegal border crossings have dropped by an astounding 94% since Trump’s return to office, a testament to the administration’s aggressive enforcement measures and strategic policy changes. While this represents a dramatic improvement, Wolf acknowledges that challenges remain, particularly regarding deportations and the misuse of immigration programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Wolf attributes the success to two key factors: public demand for stronger border security after years of what he calls “disastrous” policies under Biden and the Trump administration’s refined approach based on lessons learned during its first term. Trump’s team has implemented sweeping changes, including reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, expediting deportations, and shutting down Biden-era programs like the CBP One app, which critics argued incentivized illegal immigration. These measures have sent a clear message that illegal entry will not be tolerated, significantly deterring would-be migrants.
One of the most contentious issues Wolf raised is TPS, a program originally designed to provide temporary refuge to individuals from countries facing extraordinary hardships, such as natural disasters or armed conflict. Over time, however, the program has expanded far beyond its intended scope. For example, TPS for Haitians was initially granted after the 2010 earthquake to 57,000 individuals but now covers over 520,000 people due to repeated extensions. The Trump administration has pledged to return TPS to its original purpose, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently announcing the termination of Haiti’s TPS designation by August 2025. Conservatives argue that this reform is necessary to restore integrity to U.S. immigration policy and prevent further abuse.
In addition to addressing illegal immigration, Trump has prioritized combating drug trafficking at the border, particularly fentanyl smuggling by Mexican cartels. The administration recently designated several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), enabling harsher penalties and expanded law enforcement capabilities against these groups. This move underscores Trump’s commitment to tackling the fentanyl crisis head-on, a stark contrast to what many conservatives viewed as a lackluster response under Biden. By targeting cartels directly and enhancing border security measures, the administration aims to stem the flow of deadly drugs into American communities.
Wolf also praised the administration’s “whole of government” approach to border security, which includes deploying additional law enforcement personnel and military resources to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This coordinated effort reflects Trump’s broader strategy of prioritizing national security while holding other nations accountable for their role in enabling illegal migration and drug trafficking. As Wolf noted, these policies not only protect American citizens but also send a strong message that the United States will no longer tolerate unchecked border chaos.
In sum, Chad Wolf’s insights highlight a decisive shift in U.S. border policy under President Trump. From curbing illegal crossings to reforming TPS and cracking down on drug cartels, these measures reflect a renewed focus on law enforcement and national sovereignty. While critics may question some aspects of these policies, conservatives see them as necessary steps toward restoring order at the southern border and safeguarding American communities from both illegal immigration and the devastating effects of fentanyl trafficking.
