Fact Check: The number of people crossing the southern border has fallen to its lowest level in decades.

Fact Check: "The number of people crossing the southern border has fallen to its lowest level in decades."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border have indeed dropped to historic lows. In June 2025, Border Patrol encountered just over 6,000 illegal immigrants, marking a significant decrease compared to previous years and the lowest level recorded in decades (DHS, White House). This decline is attributed to various enforcement measures implemented during the Trump administration, including aggressive deportation policies and a crackdown on asylum access, which have reportedly deterred many potential migrants from attempting to cross (New York Times, Axios).

The data shows that on June 28, 2025, Border Patrol recorded only 137 apprehensions, the lowest single-day total in a quarter of a century (DHS). Furthermore, the number of "gotaways," or individuals who evade capture, was reported to be 90% lower than the same month in the previous year (White House).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that illegal crossings have reached their lowest levels in decades is robust, with multiple credible sources corroborating the statistics. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the White House both provide official data that aligns with the reported figures (DHS, White House). The New York Times and Axios also report similar findings, indicating a consensus among major news outlets regarding the dramatic drop in crossings (New York Times, Axios).

However, it is essential to consider the context of these statistics. The significant decrease in crossings can be attributed to stringent immigration policies that have raised fears among potential migrants, as noted by experts like Adam Isacson from the Washington Office on Latin America (New York Times). While the data reflects a decrease in illegal crossings, it also raises concerns about the humanitarian implications of such policies, as many migrants are left without safe options to seek asylum (New York Times, VisaVerge).

The sources cited are generally reliable, as they include government reports and established news organizations. However, it is crucial to recognize potential biases, particularly in how the information is framed. For example, reports from the White House may emphasize the success of the Trump administration's policies, while critics argue that these same policies have detrimental effects on vulnerable populations (New York Times, VisaVerge).

Conclusion

The claim that "the number of people crossing the southern border has fallen to its lowest level in decades" is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that illegal crossings have significantly decreased, reaching levels not seen in decades. However, the context of these statistics highlights the complex and often contentious nature of immigration policy and its implications for migrants.

Fact Check: The number of people crossing the southern border has fallen to its lowest level in decades.