Illegal US-Canada border crossings drop 95% after Trump tightens security

While national attention has remained fixed on the crisis at the US-Mexico border, a quieter but significant shift has taken place along the Northern Border. Recent data from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals a dramatic decrease in illegal crossings at the US-Canada line, particularly in the Swanton Sector, which spans nearly 300 miles across New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

In March 2025, just 54 illegal aliens were apprehended in the Swanton Sector — a staggering 95 percent drop from the 1,109 encounters reported in March of the previous year. This region, which accounted for more than 80 percent of northern border apprehensions during the 2024 fiscal year, has experienced a sharp reversal in illegal alien traffic, a trend mirrored along the southern border as well.

CBP Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia emphasized the significance of the shift, posting on X: “A stark contrast between 1,109 apprehensions in March 2024 & this March with just 54 apprehensions across Swanton Sector; a 95% decrease!” The turnaround coincides with a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on illegal immigration and restore enforcement across both borders.

Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, joined The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI to explain how the administration is ensuring both borders receive adequate attention and resources. "Secretary Noem has been laser-focused on the northern border," McLaughlin said. “She visited just last month and found that border patrol agents lacked even the most basic tools, like snow tires. That’s changing now.”

Under the Biden administration, illegal crossings at the northern border surged, with over 1,400 apprehensions reported in April 2024 in the Swanton Sector alone — more than the combined totals of fiscal years 2021 and 2022. The Biden-era policies were widely criticized for their perceived leniency, which many argue encouraged a spike in illegal activity, including drug and human trafficking.

“We were seeing a 200 percent increase in smuggling and other criminal activity under Biden,” McLaughlin noted. “But now, under President Trump, we’ve seen record lows.”

Southern border data reflects a similar trend. Border agents recorded roughly 7,100 illegal crossings in March 2025, a dramatic 94 percent decrease from the 137,000 migrants who crossed during the same month in 2024.

McLaughlin attributed the success to both enhanced enforcement and a shift in messaging. “There is now a clear message: You cannot come into the US without consequence. If you’re part of a cartel, you will be arrested and jailed.”

The interview also touched on the challenges posed by sanctuary city policies, particularly in blue states like Washington. Hoffman brought up a case involving an undocumented immigrant accused of killing a Washington State Trooper. McLaughlin confirmed that ICE typically lodges detainers in such situations but acknowledged that cooperation varies by jurisdiction.

“In places like New York, we’ve seen improvement. But in other sanctuary states, our ICE operations are still being hamstrung,” she said. “These policies create safe havens for pedophiles, gang members, and other dangerous criminals.”

Despite the resistance from some local governments, McLaughlin expressed confidence that the Trump administration’s efforts are making a measurable impact. “In just 70 days, we’ve achieved the most secure border in American history,” she said. “That’s what voters demanded on November 5th — secure borders and the enforcement of our immigration laws.”

As crime rates continue to decline in many border states, local leaders and citizens alike are noticing the difference. “The reduction in crime is thanks to the strong border security preventing dangerous individuals and substances from entering our communities,” McLaughlin concluded. “We’re proud of what’s been accomplished, but there’s still more work to do.”