Trump’s Policies Slash Northern Border Crossings, Prioritize Americans

President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, rooted in a commitment to prioritize American citizens and uphold the rule of law, has driven a staggering 95% reduction in illegal crossings along the Swanton Sector, the busiest stretch of the US-Canadian border encompassing parts of New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported just 54 migrant apprehensions in this 300-mile region in March 2025, a sharp decline from 1,109 in March 2024. Swanton Sector Border Patrol Chief Robert Garcia showcased the shift on X on April 21, 2025, posting before-and-after photos: one depicting migrants traversing wooded trails a year ago, and another showing a lone deer grazing in the same spot now.

“A stark contrast between 1,109 apprehensions in March 2024 & this March with just 54 apprehensions across Swanton Sector; a 95% decrease!” Garcia wrote, emphasizing the success of policies designed to protect American communities.

Ending Biden’s “Catch and Release” Restores Border Security

During the Biden administration, the Swanton Sector, which accounted for over 80% of northern border apprehensions in fiscal year 2024, experienced a surge in illegal crossings, with 1,400 migrants apprehended in April 2024 alone—surpassing the combined totals of fiscal years 2021 and 2022.

The Biden-era “catch and release” policy, which allowed migrants to be released into the U.S. while awaiting immigration hearings, undermined the rule of law and burdened border communities. Upon taking office in January 2025, Trump swiftly terminated this practice, launching a mass deportation effort to enforce immigration laws and safeguard American citizens.

This policy shift has restored order, as evidenced by the experiences of northern border residents. Daniel Cowan, from Chateaugay, New York, told The Post, “We haven’t seen anyone since November. It’s been nice not having to scan the yards night and morning,” reflecting the relief felt in his rural town of 1,900.

Northern Border Communities Reclaim Peace

The drastic reduction in crossings has brought tangible benefits to residents along the northern border, who faced frequent disruptions under the previous administration. Properties in rural areas like Chateaugay were often traversed by migrants, creating safety concerns and straining local resources.

Trump’s focus on stringent enforcement has alleviated these pressures, allowing communities to reclaim their sense of security. The Swanton Sector’s transformation girds the administration’s main goal of prioritizing the well-being of American citizens over unchecked migration. By reinforcing legal immigration pathways and cracking down on illegal entries, the Trump administration has ensured that border policies serve the interests of those who call the U.S. home, fostering stability in regions once overwhelmed by crossings.

Southern Border Mirrors Success, Reinforces Legal Framework

The northern border’s success is mirrored by a historic decline in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, where Border Patrol recorded approximately 7,100 apprehensions in March 2025, the lowest on record, with nationwide encounters averaging just 330 per day in February 2025, per CBP data. Policies such as the asylum ban and the termination of the CBP One app, previously used for legal entry appointments, have deterred illegal migration while upholding the rule of law.

These measures, discussed in our prior conversation on April 15, 2025, align with the administration’s commitment to robust enforcement, as evidenced by a 47% increase in drug seizures, including 760 pounds of fentanyl in March 2025. The focus on legal accountability ensures that immigration processes respect American sovereignty and protect citizens from the dangers of unchecked borders.

Tariffs Bolster Economic and Security Priorities

To further advance American interests, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico in March 2025, a move aimed at pressuring both nations to strengthen border security and address trade imbalances, as we discussed here on Silent Majority Report back on April 9, 2025, regarding Trump’s trade policy stance. While the tariffs were later suspended for goods covered by the USMCA trade deal, the initial action sent a clear message about prioritizing American economic and security needs.

This multifaceted approach—combining deportation efforts, technological enhancements like drone surveillance (noted in our April 8, 2025, conversation about border security), and economic leverage—has reshaped the immigration landscape. By placing American citizens and legal frameworks at the forefront, Trump’s policies have delivered measurable results, restoring confidence in border communities and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to law and order.