It’s tough to pinpoint exactly how many deaths, whether intentional or otherwise, are linked to illegal immigration in the United States. Given the ongoing discussions and experiences shared by individuals like Raiken Riley, one has to wonder—how many lives have been saved by the measures taken for safer borders under President Trump?
There’s something oddly cruel about how, when strong action is taken—like Trump’s response—there’s often a feeling of distrust that bad things won’t occur. You know, it’s like hoping against hope. However, there are exceptions, like what we’ve seen along the Rio Grande.
Interestingly, some news outlets have been criticized for reporting on what they call “mystical” declines in fentanyl crossing the border.
It’s quite evident that there are people enjoying time with friends and family this weekend, perhaps at a cookout or bowling alley, largely because of Trump’s border policies.
The statistics are remarkable, almost surreal. In May 2024, a staggering 62,000 illegal immigrants were released into the United States. It’s hard to even wrap your head around that; numbers like zero or zilch seem almost atomic.
By comparison, when President Biden was in charge, there were often over 10,000 encounters daily at the southern border. Just last Sunday, however, that number dropped to an astonishing 95—an all-time low.
To visualize that, imagine fitting 95 people into a couple of Waffle House restaurants. It’s a stark reminder of the closures and the substantial impact of millions of illegal immigrants and potential threats that have been managed in record time.
If Kamala Harris had been president, the influx could have reached a million. There are many questions—about gang members, criminals, and fentanyl dangers.
It’s worth recalling the rhetoric that surrounded Trump’s closure of the border—one that supposedly couldn’t happen without Congressional aid. Among the many misleading statements from the Biden administration, this one stands out.
Looking back, it’s clear Trump succeeded in curbing illegal immigration during his first term. Still, many before him—Obama, Bush, Clinton—struggled to tackle the issue.
One challenge has always been the reliance of industries like agriculture and hospitality on illegal labor. But with the estimates of 10 to 20 million undocumented immigrants due to Biden’s policies, perhaps the need for such labor has decreased.
Voter sentiments have favored ongoing deportation efforts, believing these actions play a role in securing the southern border. Watching someone face consequences for illegal actions, like jumping a turnstile, likely discourages similar behavior.
By addressing the root causes leading to illegal immigration and halting ineffective policies, Trump has focused on real border enforcement rather than merely processing immigrants.
Since November, fentanyl instances at the border have reportedly dropped by 50%. Much of this decline can be attributed to the absence of large-scale illegal crossings, making drug smuggling significantly more challenging.
Less fentanyl entering the U.S. translates to fewer overdose fatalities, which is a hopeful note.
Americans might be caught off guard by the success Trump achieved at the border. It’s unfamiliar territory, but it’s essential not to take this for granted.
When borders tighten, there are fewer individuals on the streets, resulting in diminished grief on both sides—parents no longer mourning lost children to violence and children spared from losing parents in tragic circumstances.
Now, just six months into Trump’s second term, the safety measures at the borders are contributing to the well-being of Americans across the board.
In 2020, many voters opened the floodgates by normalizing Trump’s initial border policies and then electing Biden. This time around, let’s recognize the importance of secure borders and ensure we don’t regress.
