Significant Drop in Known Gotaways at the Southern Border Under Trump Administration
The southern border of the United States has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of known gotaways—illegal migrants who successfully enter the U.S. without being apprehended—since President Donald Trump took office in January 2024. According to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) source, the daily average of known gotaways has plummeted to just 132 individuals, marking a staggering 93% decrease compared to the peak numbers recorded during the presidency of Joe Biden. This sharp decline is attributed to the extensive measures implemented by the Trump administration to secure the border and deter illegal crossings.
During the Biden administration, the number of known gotaways reached alarming levels, with a total of 670,674 individuals evading apprehension in Fiscal Year 2023 alone. This translates to an average of more than 1,800 gotaways per day, a figure that raised significant concerns about border security and the ability of federal agencies to effectively monitor and control illegal crossings. These statistics were revealed through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted by Fox News to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The data underscores the challenges faced by the previous administration in addressing the surge of illegal migration at the southern border.
The Trump administration has taken bold steps to reverse this trend, introducing policies aimed at tightening border security and deterring illegal crossings. These measures have already shown significant results, with the number of known gotaways dropping drastically. A senior DHS official emphasized that "delivering consequences has results," noting that illegal crossings and gotaways are down, while criminal prosecutions are on the rise. The official also highlighted reports of large groups of migrants in Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries turning back or surrendering to authorities, opting to return home rather than attempt to cross into the U.S. illegally. The official attributed these outcomes to the effectiveness of the new policies, stating, "Policy matters."
The impact of Trump’s policies became apparent just weeks after he took office. By February 1, the number of migrants arriving at the southern border had decreased by 63%, reflecting the administration’s commitment to enforcing stricter border controls. In the first seven days of Trump’s presidency, from January 20 to January 26, there were 7,287 migrant encounters at the southern border, averaging 1,041 encounters per day. This is a stark contrast to the final days of Biden’s presidency, during which the daily average of encounters reached 20,086 between January 13 and January 19. Additionally, the Trump administration has ramped up deportations, with 7,300 illegal immigrants removed and returned to countries such as Mexico, Jordan, Brazil, and El Salvador in the first week alone.
The dramatic reduction in illegal crossings and gotaways can be attributed to several key actions taken by the Trump administration. Among these are the implementation of tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, which appear to have incentivized these countries to take greater responsibility for managing migration flows. Furthermore, the administration has shuttered diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within federal agencies, a move critics argue has streamlined operations and allowed for a more focused approach to border security. The federal workforce has also been required to return to in-person work or face resignation, a policy that may have contributed to increased efficiency in immigration enforcement.
Border czar Tom Homan, a veteran immigration enforcement official, has praised the Trump administration’s efforts, noting the swift and decisive actions taken to address the border crisis. The administration’s approach has been characterized by a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal crossings, coupled with enhanced enforcement measures and international cooperation. The recent data suggests that these strategies are yielding the desired results, with illegal migration numbers plummeting and a growing number of migrants opting to abandon their attempts to enter the U.S. illegally.
In summary, the Trump administration’s focus on securing the southern border has led to a significant decrease in illegal crossings and known gotaways, restoring a sense of order and control to the region. The policies implemented have not only deterred migrants from attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully but have also demonstrated the importance of enforcement and accountability in addressing the complex challenges of illegal immigration. As the administration continues to refine and expand its strategies, the southern border is likely to remain a key focal point in the national conversation on immigration and homeland security.
