FACT CHECK: What Has President Trump Done To Fight Illegal Immigration? – NPR
A Border Patrol vehicle patrols a section of the U.S.-Mexico border fence near Yuma, Ariz. David McNew/Getty Images hide caption
A Border Patrol vehicle patrols a section of the U.S.-Mexico border fence near Yuma, Ariz.
President Trump returns Tuesday night to the same Phoenix convention center where he spoke during the campaign last year, laying out a 10-point plan to fight illegal immigration.
He's also visiting a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in Yuma, Ariz., a few miles from the Southwest border.
Now seven months into his presidency, Trump has pushed for dramatic changes to the nation's immigration system. But he's also been stymied by Congress and by the courts.
Here's a look at what the Trump White House has accomplished on each of those 10 promises and what it hasn't.
1. "We will build a great wall along the southern border. And Mexico will pay for the wall."
The border wall remains more aspiration than reality. The Department of Homeland Security is waiving environmental rules to speed up construction of prototypes near San Diego.
But so far, Mexico has balked at paying for the wall. And so has Congress. The House has appropriated nearly $1.6 billion for the first phase of construction, but the Senate hasn't.
2. "We are going to end catch and release."
Administration officials say they're following through on Trump's promise to end so-called catch and release. That's how many critics describe the policy that allowed many immigrants to go free until their court dates, which can often be years away because of court backlogs.
In practice, it's not clear that the Trump administration is handling these cases much differently than previous administrations did.
But there has been a dramatic drop in the number of people apprehended at the Southwest border since Trump took office a 46 percent drop during the first seven months of the year compared to 2016, according to a DHS official. The total for March was the lowest in at least 17 years, although the numbers have started to creep back up since then.
3. "Zero tolerance for criminal aliens."
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests are up more than 43 percent since late January compared to the same period in 2016, according to a DHS official. "We are still continuing to prioritize our resources on those individuals that create and pose the greatest public safety and national security threat," the official said. Seventy-two percent of those arrested had criminal convictions, a much lower percentage than the final years of the Obama administration.
Trump has pushed Congress for funding to hire more agents for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. But like funding for the border wall, Congress has yet to sign off.
4. "Block funding for sanctuary cities."
The Justice Department is trying to follow through on that promise to punish so-called sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. DOJ made some law enforcement grants contingent on whether those cities do more to help ICE.
But Chicago and California quickly took the administration to court. That's in addition to lawsuits filed earlier this year by San Francisco, Seattle and other self-described sanctuary cities.
5. "Cancel unconstitutional executive orders and enforce all immigration laws."
This probably refers to two Obama-era executive actions including DACA, which protects undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country as children from deportation.
The Trump White House dropped its support for a related program called DAPA, which was supposed to help the parents of those children.
But so far, the White House has allowed DACA to continue, much to the dismay of immigration hard-liners. Texas and other states are threatening to sue if the administration doesn't pull its support for DACA by Sept. 5.
6. "We are going to suspend the issuance of visas to any place where adequate screening cannot occur."
This is part of what Trump's travel ban executive order was supposed to do.
The order Trump signed just a week after taking office would have blocked travelers from seven mostly Muslim countries that the administration says are known havens for terrorists.
Federal courts put the original order on hold. But the Supreme Court allowed a limited version of the travel ban to take effect until it can hear legal challenges to the ban in the fall.
7. "We will ensure that other countries take their people back when we order them deported."
Trump pointed out in Phoenix last year that immigrants with criminal records can wind up staying in the U.S. because their home country won't take them back. The White House has reportedly cut the number of non-cooperative countries from 23 to 12. Immigration hawks say that's a big win, and that the administration deserves more credit for it.
8. "We will finally complete the biometric entry-exit visa tracking system which we need desperately."
For years, Congress has required the Department of Homeland Security to create a system to track everyone who comes in and out of the country using biometric technologies like facial recognition or fingerprint scanners.
In recent years, a majority of new undocumented immigrants have overstayed temporary visas, while the number crossing the border illegally has fallen.
Customs and Border Protection is testing a few prototype systems at U.S. airports this summer. But experts say a comprehensive solution that will work at more than 300 land, sea and air ports of entry remains a long way off.
9. "We will turn off the jobs and benefits magnet."
In the spring, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to "Buy American" and "Hire American," and urging others to do the same.
But critics point out that Trump's own companies continue to hire foreign guest workers and manufacture overseas. And just as the White House's "Made in America" week was underway in July, the administration announced it would allow an additional 15,000 temporary foreign workers.
10. "We will reform legal immigration to serve the best interests of America and its workers, the forgotten people."
Earlier this month, the White House threw its support behind the RAISE Act, which would prioritize immigrants with valuable skills and high-paying U.S. job offers, and gradually reduce the number of other foreign nationals who can reunite with their families already living in the U.S. But there seems to be little enthusiasm for the bill in the Senate.
See the original post here:
FACT CHECK: What Has President Trump Done To Fight Illegal Immigration? - NPR
- Arizona border, once the busiest in the nation for illegal immigration, goes quiet - The Arizona Republic - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- House sends anti-illegal immigration bill to Ivey's desk, another to the Senate - 1819 News - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Illegal immigration, cockfighting arrests made in South Mississippi ICE bust - Yahoo - May 10th, 2025 [May 10th, 2025]
- Florida Gov DeSantis tangles with reporter over illegal immigration, tells her 'you seem to have no sympathy' - Fox News - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Florida Gov DeSantis tangles with reporter over illegal immigration, tells her you seem to have no sympathy - WFIN - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- ICE and U.S. Border Patrol assist in local sex crime investigation involving previously deported illegal alien - ICE | U.S. Immigration and Customs... - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- White House touts 100-day illegal immigration crackdown after Biden 'unsecured the border on purpose' - Fox News - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- In a first-of-its-kind partnership between state and federal partners, ICE Miami and Florida law enforcement arrested nearly 800 illegal aliens this... - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- More than 990 Illegal Aliens Charged with Immigration-Related Crimes During the Fourth Week in April - Texas Border Business - May 2nd, 2025 [May 2nd, 2025]
- Democrat Rep. Wilson urges people to call, threaten lawmakers over uptick in illegal immigration detentions - Fox News - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Why is the Church advocating illegal immigration? - Amityville Record - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Why sheriffs across Ohio are joining ICE in crackdown on illegal immigration - News 5 Cleveland WEWS - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- Rachel Reeves must combine EU deals with cutting illegal immigration - The Times - April 25th, 2025 [April 25th, 2025]
- The Washington Post Needs to Get its Facts Straight Regarding Illegal Aliens and Social Security - Federation for American Immigration Reform - April 3rd, 2025 [April 3rd, 2025]
- 960 Illegal Aliens Charged with Immigration-Related Crimes During the Fourth Week in March - Texas Border Business - April 3rd, 2025 [April 3rd, 2025]
- Mayor Donna Deegan and others speak at press conference concerning Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Act - The Florida Times-Union - April 3rd, 2025 [April 3rd, 2025]
- 960 Illegal Aliens Charged With Immigration-Related Crimes In A Week - RTTNews - April 3rd, 2025 [April 3rd, 2025]
- Erdogans Turkey is Weaponizing Illegal Immigration Europe Must Wake Up - The Times of Israel - April 3rd, 2025 [April 3rd, 2025]
- U.S. Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration: Follow the Law and You Will Find Opportunity - US Embassy in Montenegro - USEmbassy.gov - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Deegan says she is reviewing illegal immigration bill before signing it. But councilman says shes making excuses - WJXT News4JAX - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Labour has changed precisely nothing on illegal immigration - The Telegraph - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Cleveland attorney says green card application pause 'has nothing to do with illegal immigration' - ideastream - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Sanders recognizes Trumps efforts on border, fentanyl: Nobody thinks illegal immigration is appropriate - The Hill - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Federal authorities charge over 800 illegal aliens with immigration crimes in just 1 week - Fox News - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- US Embassy in Morocco Warns Against Illegal Immigration Amid Tightened Visa Policies - Morocco World News - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Navy deploys additional warship to curb illegal immigration, drug smuggling at the southern border - Fox News - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Trump Administration Plans Military Buffer Zone Along the Southern Border to Deter Illegal Immigration - Federation for American Immigration Reform - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Praise to Trump for Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration - American Family Association - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- Dominican Immigration Authorities and Transport Sector unite against illegal immigration - Dominican Today - March 26th, 2025 [March 26th, 2025]
- How state lawmakers are trying to crack down on illegal immigration - The Texas Tribune - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Exclusive | Trump border czar Tom Homan heads to Albany to call out NY Dems over pro-illegal immigration policies - New York Post - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Exclusive | Trump border czar Tom Homan heads to Albany to call out NY Dems over pro-illegal immigration policies - New York Post - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- ICE San Diego arrests violent criminal illegal alien convicted of attempted murder after reentering the US over 7 times - U.S. Immigration and Customs... - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- ICE San Diego arrests violent criminal illegal alien convicted of attempted murder after reentering the US over 7 times - U.S. Immigration and Customs... - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- 4 illegal aliens charged with firearms offenses as a result of an ICE Las Cruces and ATF investigation - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement... - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- ICE apprehends illegal alien with ties to Nicaraguan massacre and Mexican drug cartel - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Newsroom - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Idaho Senate moves ahead with criminalizing illegal immigration - Boise State Public Radio - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Idaho Senate moves ahead with criminalizing illegal immigration - Boise State Public Radio - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Illegal immigration crackdown: Detention facilities are now full - Seeking Alpha - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Illegal immigration crackdown: Detention facilities are now full - Seeking Alpha - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Mass Illegal Immigration Leads to Tragedies Like the Williams Kids - Sacramento Observer - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Mass Illegal Immigration Leads to Tragedies Like the Williams Kids - Sacramento Observer - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- Kerala's Ernakulam offers classes on safe migration, how to spot fake agencies, amid rise in illegal immigration: Report - Deccan Herald - March 13th, 2025 [March 13th, 2025]
- WATCH: Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey Talks About Illegal Immigration Initiative to Assist Federal Agencies - SpaceCoastDaily.com - March 11th, 2025 [March 11th, 2025]
- How Many Illegal Aliens Are in the United States? 2025 Update - Federation for American Immigration Reform - March 11th, 2025 [March 11th, 2025]
- JD Vance touts Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration in Texas - CBS News - March 11th, 2025 [March 11th, 2025]
- ICE forced to release some illegal migrants who could pose danger to Americans: immigration attorney - Fox News - March 11th, 2025 [March 11th, 2025]
- More needed to stop illegal immigration - The Pantagraph - March 11th, 2025 [March 11th, 2025]
- Vance: Increases In Housing Linked To Increases In Illegal Immigration - The Daily Wire - March 11th, 2025 [March 11th, 2025]
- DeSantis, Trump administration partner on cracking down on illegal immigration in Florida - Miami Herald - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Six-time deported gang member wanted for murder busted in Texas illegal immigration sting - Fox News - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Fact-checking the Trump White Houses claims about illegal immigration dropping sharply - PBS NewsHour - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- ICE, BP and law enforcement partners intercept human smuggling load that results in the arrest of 8 illegal aliens - U.S. Immigration and Customs... - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- ICE arrests another illegal alien outside Northampton County Prison, following countys release and failure to honor immigration detainer - U.S.... - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- ICE Boston arrests illegal Brazilian alien charged with raping Massachusetts resident - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Newsroom - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- 40 Chinese nationals repatriated from Thailand in joint crackdown on illegal immigration - Xinhua - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- All 67 of Floridas county sheriffs agree to work with ICE to crack down on illegal immigration - Florida Politics - March 1st, 2025 [March 1st, 2025]
- Kansas AG Kris Kobach says KBI agents will work with ICE on illegal immigration - The Topeka Capital-Journal - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- ICE Boston arrests illegal Guatemalan national charged with forcibly raping Massachusetts minor - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Newsroom - February 18th, 2025 [February 18th, 2025]
- Texas and Trump boost cooperation to prevent illegal immigration at the U.S. - Mexico border - CBS News - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- ICE Washington, D.C. and FBI Washington, D.C. arrest 7 illegal aliens in Northern Virginia operation - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement... - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- ICE Seattle captures illegal aliens with histories of unlawful entries into the US - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Newsroom - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- India, US commit to tackling illegal immigration, human trafficking: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri - The Tribune India - February 14th, 2025 [February 14th, 2025]
- Trump admin ends deportation protections for massive number of Venezuelans amid illegal immigration crackdown - Fox News - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Explained: India-US ties and the illegal immigration issue - The Indian Express - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Armstrong Williams | Will the government follow Trump's lead on illegal immigration? | Columns | tribdem.com - TribDem.com - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- ICE arrests top 5,500 in first week of Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration - ABC NEWS 4 - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration Would Raise Wages for Lower-Income Americans - Heritage.org - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- 'Newsom-proof California': Lawmaker proposes bill to strengthen fight against illegal immigration, trafficking - AOL - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Four Bangladeshi women arrested in Thane for illegal immigration - The Times of India - February 1st, 2025 [February 1st, 2025]
- Northwest Florida schools brace for possible ICE raids amid illegal immigration crackdown - WEAR - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- Ending Illegal Immigration in the United States - Department of State - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- Woolley Addresses Illegal Immigration with Bills to Protect Oklahoma Jobs, Track School Funds - Oklahoma House of Representatives - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- Illegal Immigration and Fentanyl at the U.S. Northern and Southwest Borders - FactCheck.org - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- Undocumented migrants in New York arrested in Trump crackdown on illegal immigration - NBC News - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- Modi and Trump call: US president says India 'will do what's right' on illegal immigration - BBC.com - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- NGOs 'outrageously' profit from illegal immigration, former DHS advisor says - Fox News - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- DHS announces launch of new office for victims of illegal immigrant crime - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Newsroom - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- MO Senate Hears Discussions Related To Illegal Immigration This Week - krmsradio.com - January 30th, 2025 [January 30th, 2025]
- Planes carrying expelled migrants arrive in Latin America as US cracks down on illegal immigration - FRANCE 24 English - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]