| Published April 23, 2025
In a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, President Donald Trump’s administration has reported a 99.99% decrease in the practice known as “catch and release” at the U.S.-Mexico border. This policy change has led to a substantial reduction in the number of migrants apprehended and subsequently released into the United States.
According to data highlighted by the Trump administration, only 20 migrants were apprehended and released in February 2025, a stark contrast to the nearly 200,000 releases reported in December 2023 under the previous administration. This decline is attributed to the reinstatement of stringent immigration policies, including the suspension of the CBP One app, which previously allowed migrants to schedule legal entry appointments, and the reimplementation of the “Remain in Mexico” program.
The administration has also emphasized the expansion of detention facilities, with nearly 48,000 individuals currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Plans are underway to further increase detention capacity, including the reopening of a facility in Newark, New Jersey, adding approximately 1,000 beds.
These measures have led to a notable decrease in border crossings, with arrests dropping by 39% in January 2025 compared to the previous month. The administration credits this decline to the immediate implementation of executive actions aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
While supporters of the policy changes argue that they restore order and uphold the rule of law, critics express concern over the humanitarian implications, particularly for asylum seekers stranded at the border due to the suspension of legal entry programs. The administration maintains that these actions are necessary to ensure national security and the integrity of the immigration system.
As the debate over immigration policy continues, the administration’s approach marks a significant departure from previous practices, signaling a renewed focus on enforcement and deterrence at the southern border.
Here’s a Pros and Cons breakdown from a conservative perspective on the Trump administration’s reported 99.99% drop in catch and release at the U.S.-Mexico border:
✅ PROS
1. Restores Rule of Law
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Eliminating catch and release enforces existing immigration laws, showing that crossing the border illegally has real consequences—not quick entry and a court date years down the line.
2. Strong Deterrent Effect
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With illegal migrants now being detained or sent back, fewer are incentivized to make the journey. The sharp drop in border arrests reflects this deterrence working in real-time.
3. Protects U.S. Communities
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Conservatives argue that securing the border reduces the risk of criminal infiltration, drug smuggling, and human trafficking—enhancing public safety.
4. Ends Abuse of Asylum System
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By suspending the CBP One app and closing loopholes, the administration is cracking down on fraudulent asylum claims that overwhelmed the system under previous policies.
5. Saves Taxpayer Dollars Long-Term
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Though detention costs money upfront, conservatives believe the cost is justified when compared to years of welfare, education, and healthcare costs tied to released migrants.
❌ CONS
1. Increased Federal Spending
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While conservatives support border security, some fiscal hawks may worry about the cost of detaining tens of thousands of individuals long-term and expanding ICE facilities.
2. Potential Legal Battles
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Activist judges and open-border groups may challenge these policies in court, tying up resources and creating legal uncertainties that could stall enforcement efforts.
3. Diplomatic Tensions
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The “Remain in Mexico” policy and strict repatriation efforts might strain relations with countries that are unwilling or unable to take back deportees—especially in Central America.
4. Public Perception War
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The media and left-leaning outlets may frame these moves as cruel or anti-immigrant, potentially damaging conservative outreach to Hispanic communities and swing voters.
🧾 Conclusion (Conservative Perspective)
From a conservative standpoint, the near-total elimination of catch and release under President Trump is seen as a decisive return to law and order at the southern border. This policy shift is not just about numbers—it’s about restoring credibility to a broken system. By enforcing immigration laws as written, detaining illegal entrants, and deterring future unlawful crossings, the administration is taking tangible steps to protect American sovereignty and public safety.
Conservatives applaud the results: fewer illegal crossings, restored deterrence, and a reduced burden on local communities and law enforcement. While legal challenges and fiscal costs remain areas of concern, these are viewed as necessary hurdles in the broader mission of securing the nation.
Ultimately, this policy reversal serves as a sharp contrast to the chaos under previous leadership and reinforces a core conservative principle: borders matter, and laws must be enforced consistently if America is to remain a sovereign, secure, and orderly nation.
SOURCES: BREITBART – Trump Oversees 99.99% Drop in ‘Catch and Release’ of Migrants at Border
THE WASHINGTON TIMES – Under Trump, border catch-and-release has dropped 99.99% from worst Biden month
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