Trump’s Policies Lead to Drop in Illegal Immigration and Smuggling Profits
According to a report by the Treasury Department, illegal immigration at the border has noticeably decreased under President Donald Trump’s policies, which has negatively impacted the profits of human smugglers, mainly linked to Mexican drug cartels.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) released a Financial Trends Analysis Report revealing that U.S. banks flagged nearly $5 billion connected to potential human smuggling activities from 2023 to 2025.
FinCEN Director Andrea Gacchi highlighted that many smuggling networks are tied to large transnational criminal organizations, including Mexican drug cartels. “Suspicious activity reported by financial institutions provides crucial insights, and we are collaborating with both the private sector and law enforcement to break down human smuggling operations and enhance border protection,” she noted.
The report indicates a remarkable 62% reduction in human smuggling transactions in 2025, coinciding with the first year of Trump’s second term, compared to 2024 under former President Joe Biden.
This significant decrease in smuggling activity aligns with a considerable drop in illegal immigration observed since the beginning of 2025.
On Thursday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced that the agency has not released any illegal immigrants at the southern border for 15 consecutive months.
“The results are evident again this month: Trump’s border security initiatives restore order and prioritize the safety of the American public,” Mullin stated. “DHS remains dedicated to enforcing immigration laws, securing our borders, and facilitating the removal of illegal immigrants.”
Fewer than 10,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended after crossing the southern border in July. DHS officials report that daily anxiety levels are down by 94% compared to the Biden administration.
“With Trump’s effective leadership, our nation’s borders are the most secure they have ever been,” Mullin added.
