Zero migrants walked free in May. Under President Trump’s ironclad border policy, every unauthorized migrant caught at the U.S.-Mexico border was detained, a stark reversal from the Biden era’s open-door approach. This shift has progressives clutching their pearls, but conservatives see it as a promise delivered.
Breitbart reported that in May 2025, Border Patrol apprehended 8,725 unauthorized migrants, none of whom were released into the U.S., marking a 93% drop from the 62,000 released in May 2024 under Biden.
This drastic reduction reflects Trump’s commitment to deterrence over catch-and-release. The numbers don’t lie, even if some critics wish they did.
During the Biden administration, nearly all migrants crossing the southern border were released into the U.S. interior. Many took jobs to pay off smuggling debts, fueling a cycle that encouraged more illegal crossings. It’s a policy that seemed designed to keep border chaos on a slow boil.
Trump’s approach flips the script: detain, don’t release. By holding migrants, the administration prevents them from funding smuggling networks, choking off the incentive for illegal crossings. It’s a pragmatic move that hits cartels where it hurts—their wallets.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, didn’t mince words. “Why did they release people into the interior United States rather than put them into an ICE bed?” he asked, pointing out the Biden administration’s choice to fund hotel stays over detention. It’s a question that deserves an answer, but don’t hold your breath for one.
Homan argued that detention leads to swift hearings—35 days, with most migrants ordered removed. Under Biden, released migrants faced hearings delayed by years, banking on future amnesty. It’s a strategy that smells more like politics than policy.
“They did it on purpose,” Homan said, slamming Biden’s release policy. He noted that lengthy appeals kept migrants in limbo, hoping for a sympathetic administration. It’s a cynical game that Trump’s team refuses to play.
In April 2025, migrant apprehensions dropped 13% from the prior month and a staggering 95% from April 2024. These figures show a border finally under control, thanks to enforcement that prioritizes deterrence. The contrast with Biden’s free-for-all is night and day.
Pete Flores, acting CBP Commissioner, credited Trump’s leadership. “Under this administration, CBP has received historic support resulting in another 93% decrease in illegal crossings,” he said. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a signal that America’s border is no longer a revolving door.
House Speaker Mike Johnson didn’t hold back. “PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT,” he declared, calling it “strong, America First Leadership.” It’s a bold claim, but the zero-release policy in May backs it up with hard evidence.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott piled on, contrasting “Trump – 0” with “Biden – 64,000.” “THIS is what real leadership looks like,” he said. It’s a zinger that stings because it’s rooted in undeniable results.
Under Biden, released migrants often vanished into the interior, their hearings years away. This created a magnet for more crossings, as smugglers exploited the system. Trump’s policy slams that door shut, and the cartels are feeling the pinch.
Detention isn’t just about holding migrants—it’s about sending a message. By disrupting the smuggling economy, Trump’s policy discourages would-be crossers before they start their journey. It’s a strategy that’s tough but fair, unlike the woke hand-wringing over “humane” releases.
The 93% drop in releases isn’t just a number; it’s a lifeline for border communities overwhelmed under Biden. Fewer crossings mean less strain on local resources and more security for Americans. That’s the kind of empathy that puts citizens first.
