There has been a massive decline.
President Trump’s swift and decisive actions on border security have led to a dramatic change in the status of illegal immigration at the southern border. In a short period of time, measures enacted by his administration have resulted in a significant drop in unlawful border crossings, marking a major shift compared to the previous administration. The San Diego Soft Sided Facility, a temporary shelter with the capacity for 1,000 migrants, has now closed due to the sharp decline in need—averaging just 38 arrests per day in March 2025.
Commentators, including Charlie Hurt on “Fox and Friends,” have emphasized the magnitude of this accomplishment. He noted that any other president achieving these results might have considered their work finished. Data from the U.S. Border Patrol supports this perspective: the San Diego sector experienced a 186% reduction in illegal crossings in March 2025 compared to the same month the previous year. The significant decline has made it unnecessary to continue operating certain migrant facilities.
This sharp decrease has largely been attributed to aggressive executive actions and strong messaging from the administration. While Congress has yet to enact new legislation to enhance border enforcement, the president’s use of executive authority has delivered swift results. The administration’s message has been direct—those attempting to enter the U.S. illegally will be returned immediately. Evidence suggests this strategy has deterred many would-be migrants.
In his address to Congress in March, President Trump highlighted these developments as part of a broader vision for revitalizing the country. Declaring a new era for America, he credited the administration’s rapid decision-making for the significant progress made in just over a month. Trump argued that what was truly needed to address border issues was not new laws, but a change in leadership.
He further criticized previous policies, claiming they not only left the border open but actively facilitated the movement of undocumented individuals across it. According to him, the consequences have been deeply felt in schools, hospitals, and communities across the country. The administration’s current results, he argued, reveal that strong leadership and enforcement—not additional legislation—are what truly make the difference.
