Trump Declares Victory – Critics Say It’s a LIE!
Illegal border crossings hit a historic low in April 2023—but while the Trump administration hails it as a major win, critics warn the numbers may not tell the full story.
At a Glance
Illegal crossings at the southern border dropped by 93% in April
Trump-era policies credited with driving down the numbers
Experts warn border statistics may be selectively framed
ICE carried out over 66,000 arrests in Trump’s first 100 days
Border Crossings Plummet—Trump Takes the Credit
In April 2023, fewer than 10,000 migrants were intercepted at the U.S.-Mexico border, marking one of the lowest monthly totals in decades. The New York Post reports a 93% year-over-year drop, and the Trump administration wasted no time taking credit.
According to a tweet from the White House, “Daily illegal alien encounters plummet 95% under President Trump.” That claim, while dramatic, has drawn scrutiny over how the numbers are calculated and what context may be missing.
Watch Fox News’ coverage of the announcement at Border Security Stats Crash.
Inside Trump’s Deportation Surge
Much of the drop in crossings has been accompanied by a sharp rise in enforcement actions. As documented by USA Today, ICE agents detained more than 66,000 undocumented migrants during Trump’s first 100 days in office. Mass deportation operations, reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program, and military deployments to the border formed the backbone of this approach.
Supporters of the administration’s policies argue the drop proves deterrence works. But opponents question the humanitarian impact and legal justification for rapid removals, especially in cases involving asylum seekers.
Are the Numbers Misleading?
Despite the administration’s bold claims, immigration experts caution against taking the 95% figure at face value. PBS NewsHour reports that comparisons between Biden’s final week in office and Trump’s first days are being used to exaggerate the decline. A more accurate estimate places the real drop closer to 60%, based on normalized monthly data.
Critics point out that border encounters are shaped by many factors—including seasonal migration trends, economic shifts, and geopolitical crises—not just policy. As noted by the Reagan Institute, relying on headline numbers without context oversimplifies a complex issue.
Immigration Debate Far From Settled
The drop in crossings may have handed Trump a political talking point, but the broader debate around U.S. immigration policy is far from over. In another White House statement, officials said Trump’s policies “slashed illegal alien gotaways by 93%,” raising further questions about how “gotaways” are estimated and tracked.
Policy analysts warn that focusing solely on enforcement can backfire without comprehensive immigration reform. While the data suggests short-term success in deterrence, long-term solutions must address root causes and legal pathways for migration.
As Trump’s immigration platform gains momentum, Americans are left asking: are these numbers a real win—or just good politics?