The number of migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in March fell to the lowest level ever recorded, according to initial figures released by the U.S. government. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported that approximately 7,180 migrants were arrested at the border in March, marking the lowest monthly total on record. This figure represents a significant decline from the monthly average of 155,000 arrests over the past four years.
Final numbers for March are expected to be released in the coming days. Acting CBP Commissioner Pete Flores stated that Border Patrol agents are more empowered than ever to prevent unlawful entry and protect American lives.
Since taking office on January 20, President Donald Trump initiated efforts to deter illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, citing the need for a crackdown following high levels of migration during the presidency of Joe Biden. Trump's actions included a surge of military troops at the border and a sweeping ban on asylum.
These measures build on initiatives already underway by the end of Biden's presidency and appear to have contributed to the reduction in crossings.
U.S. Border Patrol's monthly enforcement statistics have been tracked since 2000, with last month's total of 8,347 being the lowest recorded so far. Prior to this, the lowest monthly total was in April 2017, when 11,127 arrests occurred at the start of Trump's first term.
While the number of border arrests often serves as an indicator of illegal crossings, it is important to note that some migrants also cross undetected.