Trump Declares Victory on Border Crisis: “The Invasion of Our Country Is Over”
In a bold announcement that has sent ripples through Washington and beyond, former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare a major victory in his administration’s battle against illegal immigration. “The invasion of our country is OVER,” he proclaimed, highlighting a dramatic drop in illegal border crossings since returning to office.
According to Trump, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded just 8,326 apprehensions at the southern border—a historic low that starkly contrasts with the peak numbers seen during the previous administration. This sharp reduction, which he credits to his administration’s strict immigration policies, marks what he calls a turning point in restoring law and order at the border.
A Historic Shift in Border Security
Trump wasted no time in framing the numbers as proof that his administration’s approach to border control is working. “There were only 8,326 apprehensions by Border Patrol at the U.S.-Mexico border, and every single one of them was either immediately ejected from our Nation or, when necessary, prosecuted for crimes against the United States,” he wrote.
The significance of this figure becomes clearer when compared to the final months of the Biden administration. In December 2023, CBP reported a staggering 301,981 encounters at the southern border—a record high. With the latest numbers reflecting a 96% drop in crossings, Trump’s administration is touting this decline as the most significant border security turnaround in modern history.
This announcement follows Trump’s emergency proclamation on his first day back in office, in which he pledged to take immediate and decisive action to halt the flow of illegal immigration. Now, as the first full month of his new term concludes, he insists that the border is no longer open to unauthorized entry. “Very few people came, and that is because our border is CLOSED to all illegal immigrants,” he stated, warning that those attempting to cross unlawfully will face “significant criminal penalties and immediate deportation.”
The Policies Driving the Decline
The dramatic drop in illegal crossings can be attributed to a series of sweeping policy changes implemented by the Trump administration. Among the most impactful are the reinstatement of aggressive deportation measures, increased collaboration between federal agencies, and crackdowns on sanctuary cities.
One of the key changes has been the expanded authority granted to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing agents to conduct more interior arrests and expedited deportations. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), between January 20 and February 8 alone, ICE carried out 11,791 interior arrests—an increase of 137% compared to the same period in 2024. High-profile raids in cities that previously limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities have further contributed to these numbers, with daily arrests exceeding a thousand in some cases.
Additionally, Trump has reintroduced policies that require asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed, effectively ending what critics called a “catch-and-release” system. The administration has also tightened the criteria for asylum claims, making it more difficult for individuals to enter the U.S. under false pretenses.
Reactions and Political Ramifications
Trump’s declaration has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators have hailed the numbers as proof that stricter enforcement measures lead to tangible results. Many argue that the previous administration’s policies, including expanded pathways to asylum and reduced interior enforcement, created incentives for mass migration.
Senator Tom Cotton praised Trump’s approach, stating, “This is exactly what happens when you have a leader who prioritizes border security. The numbers don’t lie—under Biden, our border was open. Under Trump, it’s closed.”
However, critics have pushed back, arguing that the administration’s hardline tactics come at the cost of human rights. Immigration advocacy groups have condemned the increased deportations, particularly in cases involving families and asylum seekers. Some Democratic leaders have also expressed concerns that these measures could create diplomatic tensions with neighboring countries.
Former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who served under Biden, criticized the Trump administration’s approach, stating, “Border security is not just about reducing numbers. It’s about managing migration in a way that is both effective and humane. The current administration’s policies risk creating new humanitarian crises.”
A Legacy-Defining Moment
As Trump continues his push to reshape immigration policy, the latest border statistics will likely serve as a central talking point for his administration and supporters. With immigration consistently ranking as a top issue among voters, these developments could have significant implications for upcoming elections and the broader political landscape.
For now, Trump remains firm in his message: the policies implemented since his return to office are working, and the border crisis that defined much of the previous administration’s tenure has come to an end. Whether this trend will continue remains to be seen, but for now, the former president is making it clear—under his leadership, the border is no longer open.