By Andrew Hoxha 
The migration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, which saw record numbers of migrants arriving in the United States during the Biden administration, has been significantly altered by the policies implemented under President Donald Trump’s second term. Upon taking office, President Trump wasted no time in signing executive orders that aimed to curb illegal immigration, undoing many of the border policies introduced by the Biden administration. These changes have led to a stark reversal in the flow of migrants from around the world who, once heading toward the U.S. under Biden’s more lenient policies, are now choosing to return home or abandon their plans to seek entry into the U.S.
Trump’s approach to immigration is one rooted in stricter enforcement, border security, and the reinforcement of policies that had already been effective in deterring illegal immigration during his first term. One of the first actions President Trump took was to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, a move that would force migrants seeking asylum to wait in Mexico while their applications were processed. This policy, among others, was scrapped under Biden’s administration but was brought back with force when Trump took office once again. The effects of this reversal were immediate, with a noticeable decline in illegal crossings as migrants, fearing deportation and the uncertainty of staying in Mexico, chose not to embark on the perilous journey to the U.S. border.
The difference in approach between Trump and Biden regarding the U.S. southern border couldn’t be more stark. Under Biden, a policy of “catch and release” was heavily criticized for allowing migrants to cross into the U.S. and await their hearings in court, often never returning for their scheduled appointments. Under Trump’s policies, however, migrants were immediately processed, and many were returned to Mexico or other countries, often under Title 42, which provided a public health rationale for deportations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy not only tightened control over the border but also acted as a deterrent for those planning to make the journey, as they were now facing the very real possibility of being turned back without entering the U.S. or even being detained.
For the thousands of individuals and families who had started their journeys under the Biden administration, this sudden change in enforcement measures caused significant disruption. As reported by Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, many migrants are now reversing course due to these stricter enforcement efforts, citing the dangers of cartel-controlled areas and the significant uptick in security along the U.S.-Mexico border. The deterrence effect is real, and it shows that when enforcement is ramped up, migration patterns shift accordingly.
The Impact of Increased Border Security and Mexico’s Cooperation
The impact of Trump’s policies has not only been felt within the U.S., but also in neighboring Mexico. One of Trump’s most significant actions was his pressure on Mexico to tighten its own border security, threatening a 25% tariff on all goods imported from the country unless Mexico took immediate action. This demand led to the deployment of 10,000 Mexican troops to its southern border, drastically reducing the number of migrants who were able to cross into Mexico and eventually reach the U.S. southern border.
Mexico’s response to Trump’s demands was swift, marking a significant shift in the cooperation between the two countries on immigration. The deployment of troops to the southern border aimed to contain the flow of migrants through Mexico, curbing the numbers of those who were attempting to reach the U.S. border. This effort, combined with the enforcement of U.S. policies, effectively created a two-pronged approach to controlling immigration. The increase in troops and border security on both sides of the border sent a clear message to potential migrants: the path to the U.S. was now far more difficult and dangerous than it had been in the past.
In addition to this, Trump’s administration also enhanced efforts to pressure the Mexican government to increase its enforcement of immigration laws within its own country. Mexico, traditionally a transit country for migrants from Central America, was now expected to play an active role in limiting the number of individuals reaching the U.S. border. This shift not only impacted migrants but also sparked debates about sovereignty and the role of international diplomacy in controlling migration. Mexico’s decision to comply with these measures, albeit reluctantly, marked a new chapter in the U.S.-Mexico relationship and set a precedent for future cooperation on border security.
While some hailed Mexico’s compliance as a necessary step to curb illegal immigration, others, including human rights groups, raised concerns about the treatment of migrants along Mexico’s southern border. Critics argue that the Mexican government’s actions, driven by U.S. pressure, often led to the mistreatment of migrants, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by cartels and other criminal elements. Furthermore, the focus on border security meant that migrants were left stranded in dangerous areas, facing the same hardships that had initially pushed them to leave their home countries in the first place. The humanitarian costs of these policies have sparked ongoing debates about the ethics of using foreign aid and diplomatic pressure to enforce stricter immigration controls.
Despite these challenges, the results of Trump’s border policies were undeniable: illegal crossings decreased significantly. In February 2023, reports indicated that Border Patrol recorded just 303 migrant encounters at the Texas border, a dramatic drop from the roughly 8,000 daily encounters seen during the Biden administration’s early months. The change was credited to a combination of factors, including the reinstatement of stricter border policies, increased security measures, and the cooperation of Mexico. This shift not only impacted the number of illegal entries into the U.S. but also began to alter the migration patterns across the region.
The Political and Social Implications of Trump’s Immigration Policies
The political implications of President Trump’s border security measures are vast and multifaceted. For many Republicans, the reduction in illegal immigration was seen as a victory, reinforcing the party’s hardline stance on immigration reform. Trump’s strong rhetoric and focus on border security played a pivotal role in solidifying his base, especially among voters who were concerned about the impact of illegal immigration on jobs, public services, and national security. By focusing on the enforcement of laws and reducing the number of individuals crossing the border, Trump sought to restore order and reassert control over the U.S. immigration system.
However, the effectiveness of these policies has also been a subject of intense debate. While Trump’s supporters argue that his approach restored law and order, critics point to the humanitarian costs of such measures. The increased focus on enforcement has led to overcrowded detention facilities, harsh conditions for migrants, and widespread reports of human rights abuses. These policies, critics argue, have only exacerbated the root causes of migration, such as poverty, violence, and instability in Central America. Rather than addressing these underlying issues, the Trump administration’s approach focused primarily on deterrence and punishment, leaving many migrants in limbo.
The Biden administration, which inherited a border crisis from the Trump years, has taken a different approach, focusing more on humane treatment and immigration reform. However, the shift in policy has been met with significant challenges, including a surge in migrant crossings and increasing political pressure from both sides of the aisle. Biden’s efforts to reverse Trump’s policies, including halting the construction of the border wall and attempting to reunite families separated under Trump, have not been enough to quell the ongoing challenges at the southern border.
Ultimately, the political and social implications of Trump’s immigration policies go far beyond the numbers of migrants crossing the border. These policies have reshaped the national conversation on immigration, influencing the 2024 presidential race and sparking ongoing debates about the role of the U.S. in managing migration and foreign relations. As the country prepares for future elections, the issue of immigration remains at the forefront of political discourse, with the Trump administration’s policies serving as a significant point of contention between the two major political parties.