Staff Reports
The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies are yielding unprecedented results, with illegal border crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border plummeting to their lowest levels in over 15 years. On February 22, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported just 200 encounters with illegal immigrants—a stark contrast to the tens of thousands seen daily during the Biden administration. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem credited this milestone to President Trump’s decisive actions, including reinstating strict border enforcement measures and deploying additional resources to secure the southern border.
The administration’s policies have sent a clear message: the era of open borders is over. By dismantling lenient asylum policies and canceling programs like CBP One, which facilitated asylum applications from outside the U.S., the Trump administration has effectively closed loopholes that encouraged illegal migration. Secretary Noem emphasized that these changes have deterred potential migrants from attempting to cross the border, demonstrating that strong leadership can restore order and prioritize national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, New York City is experiencing its own shift in immigration policy under Mayor Eric Adams. The city announced plans to close the Roosevelt Hotel, a high-profile migrant shelter that had become emblematic of New York’s struggles with surging migrant arrivals. The decision reflects a broader acknowledgment of the strain unchecked immigration places on local resources. While Democrats previously championed sanctuary policies, even liberal strongholds like New York are now grappling with the financial and social costs of accommodating large numbers of migrants.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis is reinforcing Trump’s immigration agenda by expanding local law enforcement’s role in federal immigration enforcement under the 287(g) program. This initiative allows state and local officers to act as federal agents in detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants, creating a force multiplier for immigration enforcement. DeSantis has framed this partnership as a model for other states, arguing that it enhances public safety and reduces taxpayer burdens. Florida’s proactive stance underscores the importance of state-level cooperation in addressing illegal immigration.
The administration is also preparing to reinstate Title 42, a public health measure that permits rapid expulsions of illegal immigrants under the guise of preventing disease transmission. This policy, first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, has faced criticism from immigrant advocacy groups but remains a cornerstone of Trump’s strategy to curb migration. Combined with other measures like increased deportations and stricter asylum rules, Title 42 reinforces the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws rigorously.
These developments reflect a broader conservative vision for immigration reform: prioritizing border security, enforcing existing laws, and reducing incentives for illegal entry. By taking bold steps to address what many see as a crisis at the southern border, President Trump and his allies are delivering tangible results that resonate with Americans concerned about national security and economic stability. As states like Florida join forces with federal authorities, it is clear that a united front is emerging to tackle illegal immigration head-on.
