Trump Administration Surpasses 100,000 Deportations as ICE Expands Efforts Under New Border Policy
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, his administration has made substantial progress in fulfilling one of its most contentious campaign promises—aggressively pursuing the removal of undocumented immigrants. According to reports, deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have surpassed 100,000, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration enforcement policies.
The Surge in Deportations
As of the latest figures, ICE has arrested 113,000 individuals and carried out over 100,000 deportations since Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. These efforts align with the president’s long-standing commitment to securing the U.S. border and curbing illegal immigration, a central theme during his presidential campaign and tenure. ICE sources have emphasized that the administration is adhering to its mission of eliminating unlawful immigrants, including those allegedly involved in gang activities or deemed national security threats.
An unnamed Department of Homeland Security source shared with the New York Post that the efforts align with Trump’s promises, stating, “He’s doing what he was voted in to do. Point blank!” However, as of now, it remains unclear how many of the detainees are convicted criminals or the specific countries from which they originated. Sources suggest that the majority are being deported to Mexico.
A Tougher Stance on Illegal Immigration
Trump’s re-election campaign placed a heavy emphasis on reducing illegal immigration, with several policy actions aimed at curbing border crossings and illegal entries. On his first day back in office, President Trump declared a border emergency, moving swiftly to deploy additional military personnel to the southern border. He also took immediate action to halt the asylum process for individuals illegally crossing the border, while spearheading a nationwide deportation campaign.
One of the key changes made was to significantly boost the capacity of ICE’s detention system. According to The Post, ICE has already “maxed out” its detention capacity, and as a result, the agency has requested additional funding from Congress to accommodate a growing number of arrests. In the first 50 days alone, ICE apprehended over 32,000 individuals, prompting officials to call for an expansion of detention facilities to handle the surge.
Trump’s administration has also focused on addressing transnational criminal groups and gangs, utilizing controversial methods to combat illegal immigration and organized crime. In a bold move, the president invoked the rarely used 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport members of violent gangs, including suspected Venezuelan gang members, directly to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. These deportations occurred without trial, marking a significant departure from typical legal processes.
On Sunday night, 17 suspected gang members from the Tren de Aragua and MS-13 gangs were transferred to El Salvador in shackles. The use of the Alien Enemies Act, which allows for the deportation of individuals considered threats to national security, has drawn criticism from some quarters, including a federal judge who blocked its application earlier this month.
Border Crossings Plummet Under Trump’s Policies
In addition to the deportation efforts, illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have dramatically decreased. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), illegal crossings have dropped to levels not seen in decades, with a remarkable decline in March. DHS sources attribute this decline to what has been dubbed “the Trump effect,” referring to the administration’s aggressive stance on border enforcement and the perception that there are now real consequences for attempting to cross the border illegally.
In March 2025, U.S. border agents encountered just under 7,000 illegal crossings—a staggering 94% decrease compared to the 137,000 illegal crossings in the same month the previous year, under President Joe Biden. This follows February’s total of around 8,300 illegal crossings, marking the lowest monthly figures in at least 25 years. According to DHS sources, the reduction is due to a combination of heightened enforcement measures and public awareness that “there are consequences now.”
Migrants are reportedly “scared” of the repercussions they face when caught, with one DHS source noting that “everyone who is caught is charged and does time.” The most significant numbers of illegal crossings continue to occur in the San Diego and El Paso sectors of the border, though the broader trend indicates a sharp drop in illegal migration. If these patterns persist, it is possible that the U.S. could see illegal migration return to levels not seen since 1968.
Legal Challenges and Political Backlash
Despite the success of these enforcement measures, they have not been without controversy. The decision to use the Alien Enemies Act has been challenged in the courts, and earlier this month, a federal judge ruled against its application. However, the Trump administration filed an emergency appeal, which is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case could have major implications for the future of U.S. immigration policy.
One individual closely following the developments is former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, who raised concerns about the potential legal ramifications of the Alien Enemies Act and the Supreme Court’s role in this contentious debate. On her SiriusXM show, Kelly suggested that Chief Justice John Roberts may face pressure to rule in a way that could limit the executive branch’s power to bypass typical legal processes when addressing perceived security threats. “John Roberts, above all, knows if he hands down a ruling telling the commander-in-chief that the nine men and women in black robes have the final say over what is perceived as a military threat unleashed on us by a foreign government, he’s on the thinnest of possible ice,” Kelly remarked.
Pushback From Congressional Leaders
While President Trump’s aggressive approach to illegal immigration has garnered significant support from his base, it has also drawn criticism from Democrats and some members of Congress. Senate Democrats, in particular, have expressed concern over the heavy-handed tactics and the use of wartime-era laws like the Alien Enemies Act. Some have accused the Trump administration of overreaching and undermining legal due process, while others have raised alarms about the potential for racial profiling and violations of civil rights.
The pushback from Democrats has only fueled the political polarization surrounding immigration policy. The Biden administration’s approach to border enforcement contrasts sharply with Trump’s, as Biden has emphasized more humane immigration policies and focused on addressing the root causes of migration from Central America.
Despite this opposition, Trump remains resolute in his stance, emphasizing that the reduction in illegal crossings and the increase in deportations are a direct result of his administration’s tough-on-immigration policies. In a statement to the press, a DHS source pointed out, “Illegal entries into the United States are no longer a backdoor way to getting status,” reinforcing the idea that the Trump administration’s immigration strategy has sent a clear message to migrants: the U.S. will no longer tolerate illegal border crossings.
Public Opinion and Legislative Efforts
Public opinion on immigration remains divided, though recent surveys indicate broad support for stricter enforcement and stronger border security measures. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Program for Public Consultation, a significant majority of Americans—86%—believe that members of Congress should not be allowed to trade stocks in particular industries. This sentiment reflects growing frustration with the perceived lack of accountability and transparency among political leaders, especially when it comes to immigration policy.
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has long been an advocate for stricter immigration controls and has made efforts to push for more transparency and stricter regulations regarding lawmakers’ financial activities. Hawley’s Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act seeks to stop members of Congress from trading individual stocks, aiming to eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure that political leaders prioritize the needs of their constituents over personal financial gain.
Despite the political divisions, there is widespread agreement that immigration reform is needed, and the issue will continue to be a central topic in the 2024 election cycle. Trump’s strong stance on immigration has energized his base, and many believe that his policies have made significant strides in securing the U.S. border and reducing illegal immigration.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Debate Over Immigration Policy
The Trump administration’s actions on immigration have reshaped the national conversation about border security, deportations, and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. While the policy changes have garnered praise from some, they have also sparked intense opposition from others who view the administration’s approach as harsh and potentially detrimental to the country’s values of justice and fairness.
As the legal battles continue and the political divide over immigration policy deepens, it is clear that the future of U.S. immigration will remain a key issue in the coming years. The Trump administration’s policies have left a lasting mark on the national discourse, and the impact of these changes will continue to be felt as lawmakers and citizens alike debate the best path forward for the country’s immigration system.
In the end, the ongoing struggle over immigration policy will shape the political landscape for years to come, with each new development fueling the debate over how to balance security, fairness, and compassion in the U.S. immigration system.

Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.