US-Mexico border crossings drop 94% as Trump tightens immigration

Last February, more than 130,000 people were stopped by the US Border Patrol trying to illegally cross the border from Mexico. By February this year, that number had plummeted to about 8,300, a nearly 94% drop, according to the US Department of Defense.

Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks said the results were due to tough measures taken by President Donald Trump, who pledged to protect the border during his campaign.

Salvadoran police escort alleged members of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. Photo: Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia

Since returning to the White House two months ago, Mr. Trump has taken a series of executive actions to curb illegal immigration, including suspending the asylum system, ramping up deportations and deploying more troops to the southern border. He has also pressured Mexico to deploy troops to patrol the border in exchange for holding off on imposing harsh tariffs on Mexican goods.

These moves send a strong message to those who intend to enter the United States illegally that the possibility of deportation is very high.

In one of the most high-profile deportations, more than 250 Venezuelan gang members were sent to a prison in El Salvador. Mr Trump invoked the Alien Enemy Act, a law that gives the president the power to deport foreign nationals during wartime without following the usual process.

Trump has declared “this is wartime,” insisting that those being deported are dangerous criminals, including murderers and drug dealers. However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has condemned the campaign and is challenging Mr. Trump in court.

Despite legal challenges, Mr. Trump has continued to pursue his policies, even calling for the impeachment of the judge who ruled against his deportation plan.

Analysts say that, despite facing legal challenges, Mr. Trump's immigration policy seems to be working.

“This strategy has been very effective,” said Tony Payan, director of the U.S.-Mexico Center at the Baker Institute. “We can question the morality and humanity of it… But it is clear that Mexico and the United States have worked closely together to control the border.”

The State Department warned that visa holders would be closely monitored to ensure compliance with the law. In addition, the Trump administration announced it would revoke the temporary legal status of more than 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela next month.

Ngoc Anh (according to DoD, CNA, AFP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/so-vu-vuot-bien-my--mexico-giam-94-khi-ong-trump-siet-chat-nhap-cu-post340820.html