- The number of illegal border crossings in the Swanton Sector of the U.S.-Canada border has dropped by 95% from March 2024 to March 2025.
- The Trump administration's strict border policies, including clear messaging and penalties, have been credited for this dramatic reduction.
- The southern border has also seen a 94% decline in illegal crossings, highlighting the comprehensive approach to border security.
- Diplomatic pressure on Canada, including threats of tariffs, has played a role in enhancing border security efforts.
- Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly with sanctuary city policies that can hinder federal ICE operations.
In a significant turnaround, the number of illegal border crossings at the U.S.-Canada border has plummeted by 95% in the Swanton Sector, a region spanning parts of New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. This dramatic shift, from 1,109 apprehensions in March 2024 to just 54 in March 2025, underscores the effectiveness of the Trump administration's border security policies. The contrast with the Biden-Harris administration's approach, which saw a surge in illegal entries, highlights the critical role of clear messaging and enforcement in maintaining national security.
A sharp contrast in policies
The Swanton Sector, a critical stretch of the northern border, has long been a hotspot for illegal crossings. Under the Biden-Harris administration, the sector saw over 1,400 illegal crossings in April 2024 alone, according to Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). McLaughlin criticized the previous administration's policies, stating, “There is now a clear message: You cannot come into the U.S. without consequence.”
The Trump administration's tough stance on illegal immigration, including stricter penalties and a clear message that illegal entry has consequences, has been instrumental in this dramatic reduction. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the effectiveness of these measures, noting, “This is a drastic 95% drop from the more than a thousand border crossings that were caught in March 2024.”
Dual success at both borders
The success at the northern border is not an isolated incident. The southern border has also seen a significant decline in illegal crossings, with a 94% reduction in March 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This dual success highlights the comprehensive approach taken by the Trump administration to secure both borders.
Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the Swanton Sector noted the contrast between the two periods, stating, “Our mission of border security never stops; people are still smuggling humans & contraband entering the country illegally.” Despite the reduction, Garcia emphasized the ongoing need for vigilance and resources to maintain these gains.
The reduction in illegal crossings along the Canadian border can also be attributed to President Trump's diplomatic pressure on Canada. Earlier this year, the administration threatened tariffs on Canadian goods to compel Canadian authorities to enhance their border security efforts. This America-first approach has proven effective, demonstrating the importance of international cooperation in addressing border security issues.
Challenges remain
Despite the significant progress, challenges persist, particularly in the form of sanctuary city policies. These policies, which vary by jurisdiction, can inhibit federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, creating areas perceived as safe havens for illegal aliens. Some of these individuals are involved in serious crimes, underscoring the need for a unified approach to border security.
Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), co-chair of the Northern Border Security Caucus, highlighted the ongoing risks, stating, “The numbers aren’t as big as the southern border — I get that, but the most dangerous people are coming through the northern border.” The vast, largely unguarded territory of the northern border presents unique challenges, with human smugglers advertising their services on platforms like TikTok.
A big impact on American safety
Border security is not just about numbers; it directly impacts American safety. The reduction in illegal crossings has led to a noticeable decline in border-related crimes, including smuggling and human trafficking. This improvement is crucial in preventing criminal elements and potential terrorists from entering the country.
The Trump administration's policies have not only secured the borders but have also restored a sense of law and order. The catch and release of illegal migrants has dropped by 99.99% under Trump, compared to the 189,604 migrants released into the United States in December 2023 under the Biden administration, according to Leavitt.
The 95% drop in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Canada border and the 94% reduction at the southern border are testaments to the effectiveness of the Trump administration's border security measures. By combining clear messaging, stricter penalties, and diplomatic pressure, the administration has achieved significant results. However, the ongoing challenges, particularly from sanctuary city policies, remind us that maintaining these gains requires continued vigilance and a unified national effort.
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