The issue of migrant encounters at the U.S. southern border highlights a clear divide between the administrations of Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
During Biden’s tenure from 2021 to 2024, the number of encounters soared to record levels, averaging over 200,000 per month, with a peak of 302,000 in December 2023. This surge was driven by humanitarian-focused policies, such as halting border wall construction and expanding legal pathways, though global migration pressures also played a significant role.
Critics argue that these measures encouraged illegal entry, alongside an increase in drug trafficking and human smuggling. Notably, CBP seized over 13,000 pounds of drugs in early 2025 alone, reflecting heightened illicit activity during this period.
In contrast, Trump’s first term (2017–2021) saw an average of about 50,000 encounters per month, supported by strict policies like the “Remain in Mexico” program and swift deportations, though a spike occurred in 2019.
Since beginning his second term in January 2025, Trump has reduced encounters to 8,347 in February, just 4% of Biden’s average, through tough policies, including ending humanitarian programs and deploying military enforcement. This resulted in an average of only 330 daily apprehensions, the lowest in CBP history.
While Biden’s policies aligned with increased border challenges, Trump’s hardline approach has so far proven effective in curbing crossings and trafficking attempts. However, with only two months of 2025 data, the long-term stability and impact on crime remain uncertain.
These differences underscore how policy signals, enforcement strategies, and external factors shape border outcomes, Biden’s leniency fueled migration, while Trump’s toughness has controlled it in the short term.