The Trump administration has brought a ton of changes to border security. That’s had unexpected results.
Because Border Patrol has been overrun by an influx that they never saw coming their way.
Trump’s Border Crackdown Sparks Massive CBP Recruitment Surge
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has experienced a significant resurgence in recruitment following years of challenges under the Biden administration, according to an internal memo obtained by reporters first over at the Daily Caller. The document highlights a renewed sense of purpose and operational focus under the leadership of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, appointed by President Donald Trump.
From January to May 2025, CBP recorded a 44% increase in job applications compared to the same period in 2024, the memo states. This marks a sharp reversal from the Biden years, when the agency grappled with overwhelming migrant flows and insufficient support. During that time, low morale led to a spike in agent suicides, and recruitment numbers plummeted as the agency struggled to maintain its ranks.
Between 2021 and 2024, CBP reported 8.5 million border encounters and over 1.7 million known got-aways, according to agency data. More than 250 migrants encountered at the southern border during this period were listed on the terror watchlist, raising security concerns. The relentless pressure on agents, coupled with limited resources, created a challenging environment for the agency.
In 2022, former CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus described the situation in stark terms, writing in an email to CBP leaders that morale was “the worst it’s ever been.” Magnus, who was reportedly asked to resign by then-Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, highlighted the toll the agency’s struggles had taken on its workforce.
The morale crisis was so severe that CBP hired a “suicidologist” in early 2021 to address the rising number of agent suicides, as previously reported by the Washington Examiner. Despite Biden’s efforts to bolster funding, the agency continued to face unchecked border crossings and a dwindling workforce, exacerbating operational challenges.
Upon taking office, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at curbing illegal immigration and reversing Biden-era policies that had hindered enforcement efforts. The impact was immediate: border apprehensions dropped to a fifteen-year low in February 2025, according to DHS data, signaling a significant shift in border security dynamics.
The memo also notes improvements across other DHS divisions under new leadership. The U.S. Coast Guard, for instance, reported an 11% increase in cocaine seizures in fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year. Additionally, the Coast Guard welcomed over 4,250 new recruits, a rise of 1,200 from the same period in 2024, and seized more than 110,000 pounds of cocaine and marijuana valued at over $1.5 billion.
The Secret Service has also seen a remarkable uptick in recruitment, with applications surging by 200% in 2025, according to the memo. This increase reflects a revitalization of DHS agencies under the Trump administration’s focus on law enforcement and national security.
A DHS spokesperson emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting its workforce, stating, “For four years, the previous administration demoralized and denied resources to our brave men and women in law enforcement, including in the Secret Service. We are reinvigorating the Secret Service and providing it with the resources our brave men and women need to do their jobs.”
The recruitment surges and operational improvements across CBP, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service highlight a renewed emphasis on strengthening homeland security under the current administration. The memo suggests that these agencies are experiencing a significant turnaround, driven by policy changes and leadership focused on empowering frontline personnel.
Trump’s Border Security Wins Voter Approval Amid Mixed Immigration Views
A recent Fox News Poll reveals that half of U.S. voters believe border security has improved compared to two years ago, marking a significant 39-point shift in public sentiment. This positive perception aligns with high approval ratings for President Donald Trump’s handling of border security, a standout issue in an otherwise challenging landscape of job performance ratings.
The poll shows 55% of voters approve of Trump’s border security efforts, with 40% disapproving, giving him a rare net positive rating. Support spans party lines, with 90% of Republicans, 44% of independents, and 24% of Democrats backing his approach. On immigration, 47% approve of his performance, while 45% support his deportation policies, though both issues see near-evenly split disapproval rates.
Voter perceptions of border security reflect a dramatic turnaround. By a 50%-22% margin, respondents say the situation at the border is better today than in 2023, reversing a May 2023 poll where 51% felt it was worse. Republicans (+79 points) and independents (+30 points) drive this shift, while Democrats now lean negative, with 36% saying border security has worsened compared to 23% who see improvement.
Despite the favorable views on border security, voters express reservations about the Trump administration’s treatment of illegal immigrants and asylum-seekers. A plurality—44%—believes the administration is too tough on illegal immigrants, and 46% say the same for those legally seeking asylum. Only 20% and 15%, respectively, think the policies aren’t tough enough, while about a third see the approach as balanced.
Partisan divides are stark on this issue. Three-quarters of Democrats and roughly half of independents view the administration’s stance on illegal immigrants and asylum-seekers as overly harsh. In contrast, most Republicans believe Trump’s policies strike the right balance. These sentiments echo results from April 2019, showing little change in public opinion on treatment despite the shift in border security perceptions.
Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who co-runs the Fox News Poll with Democrat Chris Anderson, notes, “These data reinforce the notion that border security and immigration are separable issues. When it comes to securing the southern border, Trump’s policies are very popular. But the public response to how the administration is handling 11 million undocumented immigrants is mixed, and many are strongly opposed. If he’s to succeed politically on this front, he’ll need to message carefully.”
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
