Fact Check: "The U.S.-Mexico border sees significant migration activity"
What We Know
Recent reports indicate a significant decrease in migration activity at the U.S.-Mexico border. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in May 2025, Border Patrol agents encountered only 8,725 illegal aliens crossing the southwest border, marking a 93% decrease from previous years when encounters exceeded 100,000 monthly (CBP Releases May 2025 Monthly Update). This dramatic decline has been corroborated by various sources, including a report from the Arizona Republic, which noted that the border had become "silent" with shelters for migrants turning into "ghost towns" (ICYMI: "For the first time in decades, the US-Mexico border is silent").
Moreover, the data shows that the Yuma sector experienced a staggering 97.7% drop in crossings between May 2024 and May 2025 (How many illegal crossings are attempted at the US-Mexico border each ...). This trend suggests a significant reduction in migration activity compared to historical norms.
Analysis
The claim that the U.S.-Mexico border sees significant migration activity is contradicted by current data. The CBP's monthly updates provide official statistics that reflect a substantial decline in encounters, indicating that the situation at the border has changed dramatically. The Arizona Republic's report, which highlights the stark contrast to previous years, serves as a qualitative assessment of the current state of migration, aligning with quantitative data from CBP (ICYMI: "For the first time in decades, the US-Mexico border is silent").
While some may argue that fluctuations in migration patterns are common and can be influenced by various factors, the current statistics present a clear narrative of reduced activity. The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from official government reports and reputable news outlets. The CBP is the authoritative body on border statistics, and their data is regularly scrutinized and updated to reflect the latest trends (Southwest Land Border Encounters, CBP Releases February 2025 Monthly Update).
Additionally, while there may be anecdotal evidence or isolated incidents of increased migration in specific areas, the overall trend indicates a significant downturn. This broader context is essential for accurately assessing the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that "the U.S.-Mexico border sees significant migration activity" is False. The evidence clearly indicates a dramatic decrease in migration encounters at the border, with reports showing a reduction of over 90% in encounters compared to previous years. This substantial decline is supported by reliable data from the CBP and corroborated by reputable news sources.
Sources
- CBP Releases May 2025 Monthly Update
- Southwest Land Border Encounters
- CBP Releases February 2025 Monthly Update - U.S. Customs and Border ...
- 100 Days of The Most Secure Border in American History
- ICYMI: "For the first time in decades, the US-Mexico border is silent"
- How many illegal crossings are attempted at the US-Mexico border each ...
- Migration across the U.S.-Mexico border, in 5 charts