In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration has now completed four consecutive months without releasing a single illegal migrant into the United States.

With the southern border quiet, apprehension numbers remain at historic lows, and immigration enforcement has reached levels not seen in recent history.

For the first time in years, the border appears relatively secure, with Border Patrol agents reporting just 6,319 apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border in August, averaging only 204 arrests per day.

This is a dramatic contrast to the Biden administration, where monthly figures regularly saw tens of thousands of illegal migrants crossing the border.

According to the latest data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), fewer than 26,200 border encounters occurred nationwide during the month of August.

This number represents a 93% decrease compared to the monthly national average under the previous administration, which saw a surge in border crossings and illegal migrant releases.

The historic low in border activity has been credited to a series of Trump administration measures that aim to bolster enforcement and reduce the flow of illegal immigration.

Notably, the zero releases of migrants on parole—typically a process used when border detention facilities become overcrowded—marks a significant shift in how the U.S. handles illegal border crossings.

In a stark contrast to the peak of the border crisis during President Joe Biden’s tenure, the Trump administration has seen no need to use the parole system for the last four months.

Ammon Blair, a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and a former Border Patrol agent, described the situation as “unprecedented in history.”

He pointed out that the U.S. has now seen fewer incursions at its border than countries such as England, which have historically faced far fewer migration challenges.

Blair stated that adherence to current laws, such as enforcing asylum processes and addressing loopholes, has contributed significantly to the current success.

“The results speak for themselves,” Blair said. “We’ve seen a sharp reduction in illegal immigration by following the law, and more importantly, by putting enforcement first.”

Blair emphasized that more action could be taken to address asylum issues, but that the solution lies in consistently applying the law.

The dramatic drop in border encounters is a far cry from the chaos under Biden, when tens of thousands of illegal immigrants were routinely released into the country every month.

Under the Biden administration, Border Patrol agents were forced to release around 62,000 illegal migrants in May 2024 and another 27,766 in June 2024, as reported by CBP.

These figures were part of a broader crisis that saw record-breaking numbers of migrant encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The turnaround began soon after President Trump returned to the White House, where he focused on a series of executive orders and initiatives designed to clamp down on illegal immigration.

The actions were aimed at curbing the flow of migrants and securing the U.S.-Mexico border for the long term.

Trump’s immediate steps to secure the border included a national emergency declaration, which allowed the U.S. to divert additional military resources to assist in border control operations.

The declaration was a key tool in his administration’s efforts to build a more secure southern border, including the continuation of the border wall construction that had been stalled under the previous administration.

In addition to military support, Trump took a hardline stance on immigration policy by designating drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This move was aimed at cracking down on the trafficking of drugs and human smuggling across the southern border.

The president also paused refugee admissions and pushed for a broader review of policies such as birthright citizenship, a move that would affect children born to illegal immigrants on U.S. soil.

Another key success for the Trump administration was the diplomatic pressure placed on neighboring countries. In a significant development, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, a left-wing leader, agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to help secure the U.S.-Mexico border and halt the flow of illegal migrants into the United States.

“The border remains closed. There is no new asylum program, no work permits, no temporary status being given,” said Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to stringent enforcement policies.

While the success at the border has been significant, Trump’s administration has also focused heavily on interior enforcement. Since late January, the Department of Homeland Security has arrested more than 417,000 illegal migrants, with over half of those arrests made by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

More than 70% of those arrested were criminal illegal aliens with pending charges or previous convictions.

The increase in interior enforcement has been particularly important as it complements efforts to secure the border. By focusing on criminal migrants already within the U.S., the Trump administration has prevented further illegal activity from occurring while also reducing the strain on the already-overburdened border detention system.

“ICE is doing its job,” said a DHS official. “We’ve been able to significantly reduce the presence of criminal illegal aliens in the country, and that has made a big difference in our ability to enforce the law and keep communities safe.”

The latest border statistics stand in stark contrast to the chaos that characterized the Biden administration’s handling of immigration. Under Biden, border encounters surged to historically high levels, and the use of “parole” releases became routine.

Migrants were routinely allowed to enter the U.S. while their cases were processed, creating a backlog and incentivizing more illegal immigration.

In contrast, under the Trump administration’s approach, illegal migrants are arrested, detained, and processed more quickly, ensuring that parole releases are not necessary. This difference in approach highlights a fundamental shift in how immigration is managed.

The Trump administration’s hardline approach has been credited with both reducing the number of illegal crossings and improving the overall functioning of the U.S. immigration system.

With the border more secure and fewer migrants being released into the country, the Trump administration has been able to reduce the overall strain on immigration enforcement agencies, which have historically been overwhelmed by the surge of migrants at the southern border.

The sharp decline in illegal immigration and the lack of parole releases have sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Republicans have lauded the Trump administration’s tough stance on immigration, praising the president’s efforts to restore law and order at the border.

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has called the border situation “a major victory for American security,” and several GOP lawmakers have pointed to the success at the border as evidence that the Trump administration’s policies were effective.

“This is exactly what we needed to do,” McCarthy said. “President Trump took bold action to close the border, and the results speak for themselves. We must continue this work to ensure our country remains safe.”

Democrats, however, have criticized the Trump administration’s border policies, arguing that they prioritize enforcement over humanitarian concerns.

Progressives have been vocal in calling for comprehensive immigration reform, including pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the country.

“The Trump administration’s approach is based on fear and exclusion,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). “We need to have a fair and humane immigration policy that treats people with dignity and respect, not criminalize them for seeking a better life.”

Despite this opposition, the data showing a sharp drop in illegal immigration and border encounters under Trump’s policies has made it difficult for critics to dismiss the effectiveness of the administration’s approach.

Looking ahead, the Trump administration’s policies on immigration are likely to play a significant role in shaping the national debate on border security. 

With President Biden’s approval ratings facing challenges over his handling of immigration, Republicans are poised to continue pushing for stronger enforcement measures and border security policies.

As the 2024 election season nears, immigration will continue to be a key issue for both parties. For Republicans, securing the border and reducing illegal immigration remain top priorities, while Democrats will likely continue to push for comprehensive reform and protections for immigrant communities.

The Trump administration’s historic success in securing the southern border and reducing the number of illegal migrant releases has drawn both praise and criticism.

With four consecutive months of zero migrant releases and a significant reduction in border encounters, President Trump’s immigration policies have proven to be effective in curbing illegal immigration.

However, the political divide remains clear. Republicans argue that the administration’s approach restores order and upholds the rule of law, while Democrats continue to call for more humane policies and comprehensive immigration reform.

As the debate over immigration continues, the Trump administration’s success at the border provides a stark contrast to the challenges faced under the Biden administration, ensuring that immigration will remain a key issue in American politics for the foreseeable future.