Dealing with illegal immigration was priority number one for President Trump. He has to secure the borders for national security.
That’s why Donald Trump was utterly stunned by this border patrol breaking news report.
Trump’s Border Triumphs Pile Up As Zero Illegal Migrants Released in May
The United States is witnessing a historic turnaround at its southern border under President Donald Trump’s second term. In May, U.S. Border Patrol achieved a remarkable milestone: not a single illegal migrant was released into the country. This contrast to the chaos of the previous administration showcases the Trump team’s unwavering commitment to restoring order and safety.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data reveals the depth of this achievement. In May 2024, under President Joe Biden, 62,000 illegal migrants were released into the U.S. amid a spiraling border crisis. Fast forward to May 2025, and the number dropped to zero. CBP proudly declared on social media, “Thanks to the tireless efforts and diligent work of the men and women of CBP and the leadership of [Trump] and [Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem], USBP released 0 (not a single one) illegal aliens into our country in May, down from more than 62,000 in May of last year.”
The agency didn’t hold back in praising the administration’s efforts, stating, “This administration has seen the fastest improvement in American border security of all time.” The numbers back up this bold claim. Border Patrol agents encountered just 8,725 illegal migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border between ports of entry in May, a jaw-dropping 93% decrease from the 117,905 encounters in May 2024.
This drastic reduction has obliterated the practice of “catch and release,” a policy that plagued the Biden era. Overburdened detention facilities once had no choice but to release migrants to make room for new arrivals. Now, with fewer crossings and stronger enforcement, the border is under control, and facilities are managing effectively.
Nationwide, CBP agents averaged roughly 952 encounters per day in May, including those at ports of entry. This marks the second-lowest daily average in CBP history. Compare that to the Biden administration’s peak, when daily encounters hit 15,000 and monthly totals neared 160,000. The current figures demonstrate a border operation running at peak efficiency.
CBP hailed these results as proof of “unprecedented levels” of operational success. Acting Commissioner Pete Flores emphasized the administration’s role, saying, “Under the leadership of this administration, CBP has received historic support resulting in another 93% decrease in illegal crossings along the southwest border this month when compared with last year. Border numbers continue to trend at historic lows, reinforcing the sustained success of our enforcement efforts in securing the homeland and protecting American communities.”
President Trump wasted no time upon returning to office. His administration rolled out a series of executive actions, including declaring a national emergency, prioritizing border wall construction, and pressing Mexico to deploy its own law enforcement to curb migrant flows. These decisive moves stand in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s policies, which dismantled Trump’s first-term border security framework and fueled the worst border crisis in U.S. history.
The results speak for themselves. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its operations, arresting over 100,000 illegal migrants since Trump’s second term began. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Caller News Foundation, “President Trump is doing exactly what he promised the American people – securing the Southern Border and deporting illegal aliens.”
Jackson highlighted ICE’s recent surge, noting, “Just this week, ICE has detained over 2,000 illegal immigrants on back-to-back days, and ICE arrests during President Trump’s second term have topped 100,000. The President is cracking down on cartels, cutting the flow of fentanyl coming across our border by over half in the last year.” A single day recently saw 2,200 arrests, a sharp increase from the prior week.
In new Harvard/Harris polling, most Americans continue to support the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts:
▪️63% support "the admin's actions to close the southern border"
▪️74% support "the admin's efforts to deport criminals who are here illegally" pic.twitter.com/qwX5P2cQnP— The Missing Data Depot (@data_depot) June 16, 2025
The administration’s focus on enforcement has yielded tangible gains. The flow of fentanyl, a deadly drug plaguing American communities, has been slashed by more than half. Cartels, once emboldened by lax policies, now face a reinvigorated U.S. response. Trump’s leadership has restored confidence in the federal government’s ability to protect the homeland.
The border wall, a hallmark of Trump’s first term, is once again a priority. Construction efforts are moving forward, bolstered by the national emergency declaration. This physical barrier, combined with increased manpower and international cooperation, has created a formidable deterrent to illegal crossings.
Mexico’s role cannot be overlooked. Under pressure from Trump, the Mexican government has deployed law enforcement to its side of the border, significantly reducing the number of migrants reaching U.S. soil.
The milestones keep piling up. From historic lows in border crossings to record-high ICE arrests, the Trump administration is delivering on its promise to strengthen immigration enforcement. The contrast with the Biden era, marked by overwhelmed agents and unchecked migration, could not be clearer.
Every day, CBP and ICE agents put their lives on the line to secure the nation. Their success in May is a testament to their dedication and the administration’s support. With leadership from Trump and Secretary Noem, the border is no longer a revolving door but a fortified line of defense.
The American people are seeing the results of a government that prioritizes their safety. As illegal crossings plummet and enforcement surges, the southern border is becoming a symbol of strength and order under President Trump’s watch.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
