When Pandora opened her box, the world’s evils erupted, leaving nothing that could be reverted. This tale highlights the irreversible nature of certain actions—much like the challenges posed by large-scale illegal immigration.
Since President Joe Biden took office, the U.S. border appears to be virtually wide open. While he’s known for sending substantial financial aid to his grandchildren, the consequences of allowing millions to enter, stay, or roam unchecked are mounting.
In contrast, under President Donald Trump, this issue was largely addressed. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) states that Trump’s inaugural year saw “approximately 2.2 million self-deportations and over 675,000 deportations.” I find these figures a bit hard to digest—round numbers can be misleading. Still, if true, this would certainly mark a start towards fulfilling his promise of combating illegal presence in the country.
Taking a closer look at the situation at the border, things are decidedly different now. The floodgates have been shut, so to speak.
Following 9/11, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shifted from a focus on counterterrorism to becoming a crucial player in immigration enforcement.
The term “encounter” refers to when someone without the legal right attempts to enter the U.S. by showing up at a border or entry point. Examining data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), we observe that in December 2023, around 249,740 individuals crossed illegally. Fast forward to December 2025, and that number decreased to 6,472—a significant but manageable figure.
Moreover, by January 2026, DHS documented that there had been no illegal releases at the border for nine consecutive months—zero. The law is unambiguous here. According to the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, anyone caught trying to enter illegally “shall be detained.” It’s notable, perhaps, that this law was enacted during President Bill Clinton’s tenure.
This legislation followed a comprehensive review of U.S. immigration policies by a bipartisan commission, emphasizing the need to differentiate clearly between legal and illegal immigration.
Currently, officials on the left seem determined to blur this critical distinction. They often refer to “immigrants” to sidestep the debate altogether. For instance, Jacob Frey, the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis, calls illegal immigrants “neighbors,” downplaying any difference between citizens and those residing here unlawfully.
Phrases like “Humans are not illegal” are common among activists. But what does that really mean? Of course, being human is not a violation. Yet, entering someone’s property without consent is illegal. It’s about the action, not the individual.
While advocates speak of “due process,” it often seems they seek to create new barriers and prolong legal battles, even when courts have established clear precedents.
The recent decision by the Fifth Circuit affirms that those illegally in the country can—and should—be detained, despite previous efforts to evade detection. Legal challenges from organizations like the ACLU and others have aimed to hinder deportations, often supported by public and undisclosed funding.
Many Democrats are pushing hard to dismantle immigration enforcement entirely. We’ve witnessed organized disruptions led by activists at various locations, from streets in Minneapolis to federal buildings.
In addition to targeting law enforcement, these activists are also pressuring businesses to align with their views. For instance, in February, a group called ICE Out Minnesota held protests at Target, urging the chain to adopt a political stance against U.S. immigration laws.
It’s no surprise that the “socialist revolutionary group” Socialist Alternative showed up at one of these protests. Their ideology embraces a borderless world, rallying global workers to unite.
Presently, advocates for open borders are trying to undermine enforcement in many localities. Several major cities, often led by Democratic or Democratic Socialist politicians, are pushing their agendas. Yet, in light of Trump’s apparent success in tightening border control, the left seems poised to grab any opportunity to open the floodgates once more.
To maintain our unity as a country, we must never allow the levels of illegal immigration witnessed during the Biden administration to recur. Additionally, we cannot let those who break the law undermine existing immigration statutes. Legislation is vital to ensure that a return to the situations of 2021 is impossible, and our immigration standards must remain intact, impervious to legal challenges.
