Fact Check: "Trump's administration reduced illegal immigration encounters by 93% between May 2024 and May 2025."
What We Know
The claim that illegal immigration encounters decreased by 93% during the specified period is supported by data released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). According to a BORDER BRIEF from the House Committee on Homeland Security, Border Patrol apprehended 8,725 illegal aliens in May 2025, which represents a 93% decrease from the 117,905 apprehensions recorded in May 2024. This significant reduction is attributed to the Trump administration's enforcement policies aimed at curbing illegal immigration and dismantling previous administration practices, such as the catch-and-release policy that allowed many migrants to remain in the U.S. while their cases were processed.
Additionally, the same report notes that nationwide encounters with illegal immigrants decreased by 88% compared to the previous year, with an average of just 952 daily encounters in May 2025 (CBP Monthly Update). The data indicates a stark contrast to the previous administration, where high numbers of migrants were often released into the U.S. after apprehension.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes primarily from official government reports and statements from the Trump administration. The BORDER BRIEF provides a detailed account of the apprehension statistics and emphasizes the administration's focus on law enforcement and border security. However, it is essential to consider the potential bias in the source, as it is produced by a partisan committee that may have an interest in portraying the administration's actions in a favorable light.
Other sources, such as a report from Reuters, also corroborate the significant decrease in illegal immigration encounters, providing additional context about the enforcement actions taken by the Trump administration. However, these reports do not always specify the same percentage decrease, which suggests that while the overall trend is consistent, the exact figures may vary slightly depending on the methodology used for counting encounters.
Moreover, the claim is further supported by reports from various media outlets, including the Daily Caller and The Post Millennial, which highlight the zero releases of illegal migrants into the U.S. during May 2025, contrasting sharply with the previous year's figures. This reinforces the assertion that the Trump administration's policies have had a significant impact on illegal immigration.
Conclusion
The claim that the Trump administration reduced illegal immigration encounters by 93% between May 2024 and May 2025 is True. The data from multiple credible sources, including government reports and reputable news outlets, supports this assertion. While the sources may have varying degrees of bias, the consistency of the statistics across these reports lends credibility to the claim.
Sources
- Along U.S. Borders
- CBP Releases May 2025 Monthly Update - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- BORDER BRIEF: “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is Vital as President Trump Turns the Tide on Biden’s Catch-and-Release Legacy
- “EXTRAORDINARY”: President Trump Drives Illegal Border Crossings to a New Historic Low
- Trump's immigration enforcement record so far, by the numbers
- Trump's 2025 Immigration Enforcement: High Arrests, Lower Deportations
- Trump Admin Let Zero Illegals Into The US In May
- ZERO migrants released by Border Patrol, 93% drop in illegal crossing as Trump policies take hold
