Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has marked a significant drop in illegal border crossings, a shift tied to the current administration's policies. T
According to News Nation, The decrease highlights the lowest daily encounters since 1967.
In an exclusive interview with NewsNation, Noem attributes this decline largely to the enforcement strategies established during President Donald Trump's term, including the continuation of border wall construction and rigorous actions against criminal organizations.
During her visit to Nogales, Arizona, on a recent Saturday, Secretary Noem inspected the border security operations firsthand. She mentioned that on one occasion, border officials recorded fewer than 200 encounters in a single day. This figure stands out as particularly significant, considering the historical data. Noem stated, "Just recently, we saw less than 200 encounters in a day. That’s remarkable," underscoring the effectiveness of the current policies.
The Trump administration's resumption of the border wall construction has played a crucial role in these reduced numbers. These physical barriers are supplemented with advanced technology, such as the CPB Home app, which supports a self-deportation initiative. The app has already seen significant participation, with stiff penalties for non-compliance.
Another facet of the enforcement strategy includes a focus on dangerous gangs, like the Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang known for its violent activities. Secretary Noem described some of these members as young as 12 or 13, deeply involved in criminal acts within the United States. This has raised concerns about the presence and influence of such gangs among younger demographics.
They recognize that we’re enforcing our federal laws, that we’re not letting people just walk across the border anymore. We are building a wall, we are securing our borders, and we’re not going to let this illegal activity continue.
The interview also covered the logistical aspects of these enforcement measures. Noem highlighted that immigration officers are now more able to focus on law enforcement rather than processing duties, thanks to the efficiency brought about by these policies. The CBP Home app enables individuals with final removal orders to initiate their self-deportation process, helping to streamline operations.
Border officials have reintroduced DNA testing to verify family relations among arriving unaccompanied minors, ensuring a critical safeguard against human trafficking and smuggling. Authorities have identified some minors as members of gangs like MS-13, linking them to severe criminal activities and prompting the implementation of stringent security measures and monitoring processes.
Since the commencement of Trump's presidency in January, ICE has arrested over 32,000 individuals, a figure that underscores the aggressive enforcement stance adopted by the administration.
Comparatively, the Biden administration in 2024 saw more than 33,000 ICE arrests, indicating a sustained effort in immigration enforcement regardless of the administrative change.
The use of high-security facilities such as Guantanamo Bay for detaining particularly dangerous individuals further illustrates the seriousness with which the administration views border security and immigration enforcement. These measures collectively contribute to a robust defense against illegal immigration and related criminal activities.
In conclusion, the significant decrease in illegal border crossings noted by Secretary Kristi Noem during her NewsNation interview can be attributed to a combination of physical barriers, advanced technology, and stringent enforcement policies. This multifaceted approach appears to be effective in reducing illegal activities and enhancing national security, with the border situation now markedly different from previous years.
