Daily average of known gotaways at southern border plummets, down 93% from Biden administration highs

First on Fox: Dramatic Drop in Known Gotaways at Southern Border Under Trump Administration

In a significant development, the southern border of the United States has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of known gotaways—illegal migrants who successfully enter the country without being apprehended—since the beginning of February. According to a senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, the daily average of known gotaways has plummeted to just 132 per day, marking a staggering 93% decrease compared to the peak numbers recorded during the Biden administration. This sharp decline comes after President Donald Trump took office on January 20 and implemented a series of aggressive measures to secure the border. The data, which is typically not released to the public, highlights the stark contrast between the current administration’s approach to border security and that of the previous administration.

During the Biden administration, the number of known gotaways reached alarming levels. In Fiscal Year 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded 670,674 known gotaways, averaging more than 1,800 illegal migrants per day. These individuals, while detected through cameras, sensors, or other surveillance methods, were not apprehended by border patrol agents. The sheer magnitude of these numbers raised significant concerns about national security, public safety, and the effectiveness of border enforcement policies under the Biden administration. Fox News submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain these statistics, shedding light on the severity of the issue during that time.

President Trump’s return to office has brought about a marked shift in border security strategy, with the administration taking extensive measures to curb illegal crossings. The DHS official emphasized that these efforts have yielded tangible results, stating, “Delivering consequences has results. Illegal crossings are down, gotaways are down. Criminal prosecutions are on the rise.” The official also noted that policy decisions play a crucial role in these outcomes, pointing to daily reports of large groups of migrants in Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries turning back or surrendering to authorities and requesting to return home. These developments suggest that the Trump administration’s policies are deterring potential migrants before they even attempt to cross the border.

The effects of Trump’s policies became apparent within his first weeks in office. By February 1, the number of migrants arriving at the southern border had dropped by 63%. During the first seven days of the Trump administration, from January 20 to January 26, there were 7,287 migrant encounters at the southern border, averaging 1,041 encounters per day. This represents a significant decrease from the 20,086 daily encounters recorded during the final days of the Biden administration, from January 13 to January 19. The administration has also stepped up enforcement actions, with Border Czar Tom Homan revealing that 7,300 illegal immigrants had been removed and deported to countries such as Mexico, Jordan, Brazil, and El Salvador within the first week of Trump’s presidency.

The Trump administration has implemented a series of measures to achieve these results, including the reimposition of tariffs on countries like Mexico, Canada, and China, as well as the discontinuation of certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Additionally, federal workers have been required to return to in-person work or face resignation, signaling a broader shift in governmental operations. These actions, combined with stricter border security protocols, have contributed to the sharp decline in illegal crossings and known gotaways. The administration’s focus on deterrence and enforcement has clearly had an impact, with migrants increasingly choosing not to attempt the journey to the U.S. due to the perceived difficulty and consequences of doing so.

Despite these accomplishments, challenges remain in maintaining and further reducing the number of known gotaways. Critics argue that long-term solutions require comprehensive immigration reform and international cooperation, as the root causes of migration—such as poverty, violence, and political instability in migrants’ home countries—have not been addressed. However, the Trump administration’s efforts have undeniably demonstrated that policy changes can have immediate and measurable effects on border security. As the administration continues to implement its strategies, the question remains whether these gains can be sustained and whether further progress can be made in addressing the complex issues surrounding illegal immigration. For now, the dramatic reduction in known gotaways serves as a clear indication that the Trump administration’s approach to border security is yielding results.