Texas Sheriff Hails Dramatic Drop in Illegal Border Crossings as Trump Policies Take Hold

In a striking shift at the U.S.-Mexico border, Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland reports a sharp drop in illegal migrant crossings since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Sharing 54 miles of border, Cleveland’s West Texas county has seen apprehensions plummet, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection noting a 93% decrease in April 2025 compared to last year’s 129,000 under the Biden administration. "The last two weeks were quieter than a desert night, even during the full moon when crossings usually spike," Cleveland told WTFNewsRoom.

The decline coincides with Trump’s reinstatement of policies like Remain in Mexico and third-country agreements, which border czar Tom Homan credits for making the border "the most secure in U.S. history." Meanwhile, a San Diego migrant center closed this month after a 186% drop in arrests compared to March 2024, with only 38 apprehensions daily. Cleveland hints more facilities may shutter if crossings continue to dwindle, freeing up resources for other border needs.

Reflecting on past challenges, Cleveland noted the Biden era brought record crossings and tragic deaths in his sprawling 2,300-square-mile county. "It was a marathon of chaos," he said. Now, with crossings down, the focus shifts to sustaining this control.