Despite a strong start to President Donald Trump’s new term, the number of illegal immigrants deported back to Mexico is lower than it was at this time in 2024 under Biden. But federal officials say the real wave of enforcement is just beginning.
According to Mexico’s Baja California Migrant Affairs Office, just 32,537 Mexican nationals were sent back during the first quarter of 2025—compared to 47,659 in the same period last year.
“The deportation numbers are lower than expected,” said Adriana Minerva Espinoza Nolazco, director of the office. “But the infrastructure is in place, and we’re staying prepared.”
U.S. Homeland Security sources say enforcement is picking up. A senior official told Newsweek that over 142,000 deportations have already been carried out since Trump took office in January—and it’s just the beginning.
Trump’s Immigration Plan Faces Early Obstacles—But Results Are Coming
President Trump ran on a promise to mass deport illegal aliens, especially repeat border offenders and those who entered during the Biden-era surge. Though legal hurdles remain—mainly from activist judges—ICE and CBP are pushing forward with renewed authority.
In Tijuana, a major hub for migrants trying to reach the U.S., border officials report a 50–60% decrease in new arrivals.
A newly built shelter designed to house 500 deportees per day is seeing only about 37 arrivals daily, showing how quickly the flow has dropped.
“Migrants are getting the message loud and clear: leave voluntarily or be removed by force,” said a DHS spokesperson.
Illegal Crossings Drop, Self-Deportations Surge Under Trump
The deterrent effect of Trump’s tough stance is already visible:
- Migration through Panama’s Darién Gap has dropped 99.99%.
- Thousands are using the CBP One app to self-deport.
- Illegal entries from Mexico are down sharply.
The Biden-era chaos at the border is giving way to renewed order. But Mexico isn’t letting its guard down. Officials there say they are bracing for another surge if enforcement expands further.
“We must stay ready,” said Espinoza Nolazco. “Another wave could come at any time.”
Trump’s Budget Pushes for More ICE Funding
The Trump administration has submitted a budget to Congress that includes expanded funding for ICE and CBP, aiming to dramatically increase removal operations in the months ahead.
Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump are calling for new deportation centers, border infrastructure, and a crackdown on sanctuary cities.
“ICE, CBP, and the Coast Guard are no longer handcuffed,” said a senior DHS official. “We’ve reactivated an agency that Biden tried to dismantle.”
Mexico Now a Key Ally in Trump’s Border Strategy
As the Migration Policy Institute recently stated:
“No country is more critical to U.S. migration enforcement than Mexico.”
The Trump administration is now engaging in new negotiations with Mexico’s incoming president, Claudia Sheinbaum, to ensure border cooperation continues—especially after Biden and AMLO’s lax enforcement left both nations vulnerable.
Conclusion: The Wall Is Back—and So Is the Rule of Law
While deportation figures aren’t yet where they need to be, President Trump is laying the legal and operational groundwork for a historic crackdown on illegal immigration.
The message to illegal immigrants is clear: America is not a doormat.
With new momentum, strong leadership, and support from DHS, ICE, and border agents, Trump is restoring law and order to America’s border—one deportation at a time.