Market Data
Significant Drop in Gotaways at the Southern Border
Since the beginning of February, the daily average number of known gotaways at the southern border has drastically declined to just 132 per day, representing a staggering 93% reduction from the peak numbers recorded during the Biden administration. According to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) source, this dramatic decline is a direct result of the extensive border security measures implemented by President Donald Trump. Gotaways are defined as illegal migrants who successfully enter the U.S. without being apprehended, and they are identified through various means such as cameras, sensors, and other surveillance technologies. These statistics, which are typically kept internal by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), highlight a significant shift in border dynamics.
The Biden Administration’s Gotaway Numbers
During the Biden administration, Fox News initiated a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to CBP in order to obtain detailed statistics for Fiscal Year 2023. The data revealed a striking number of 670,674 known gotaways for the year, averaging more than 1,800 per day. This figure was both alarming and indicative of the challenges faced by the previous administration in managing the influx of illegal border crossings. The high number of gotaways under Biden underscored the need for more robust border security measures.
Trump’s Immediate Impact on Border Security
President Trump took office on January 20 and wasted no time in implementing comprehensive policies aimed at securing the southern border. Within his first week, the White House introduced tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, and border crossings began to drop precipitously. Additionally, the administration shut down diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and federal employees were given the ultimatum to return to their offices or resign. These actions were part of a broader strategy to address illegal immigration and strengthen border control.
Rapid Decline in Migrant Encounters
By February 1, the number of migrants arriving at the southern border had plummeted by 63%. The early days of the Trump administration saw a significant reduction in migrant encounters. From January 20 to January 26, CBP reported 7,287 migrant encounters, averaging 1,041 encounters per day. This is a sharp contrast to the final days of the Biden presidency, where the daily average was 20,086 encounters from January 13 to January 19. The swift decline in both gotaways and overall encounters highlights the immediate effectiveness of the new administration’s policies.
Enhanced Enforcement and Deportations
Border czar Tom Homan noted that after the first week of Trump’s presidency, the administration had already removed and returned 7,300 illegal immigrants to countries such as Mexico, Jordan, Brazil, and El Salvador. This rapid enforcement action sent a clear message to potential border crossers and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to reducing illegal immigration. The senior DHS official further emphasized that "delivering consequences has results," pointing to the rising number of criminal prosecutions and the growing trend of migrants turning back south and surrendering to authorities.
Policy Matters: The Future of Border Security
The senior DHS official’s statement that "policy matters" underscores the belief that effective governance can significantly influence migration patterns. With the implementation of stricter border control measures and a more decisive approach to enforcement, the Trump administration is seeing tangible results in reducing illegal crossings and gotaways. The ongoing efforts to secure the southern border are expected to continue, with public support growing as more citizens recognize the positive impact of these policies. The encouraging data suggests that the administration’s approach is making a significant difference, and the initial results are just the beginning of a broader, more secure border strategy.
