Analyse
Border apprehensions—often used as a proxy for illegal crossings—**rose significantly** during Trump’s presidency, peaking at **851,508 in FY2019** (vs. 408,870 in FY2017), per CBP data. Drug seizures, including fentanyl, also **increased yearly** under Trump, undermining the claim of an historically 'safe' border. While FY2023 and FY2024 saw record-high apprehensions (2.5M+ in FY2023), the **rate of gotaways** (unapprehended entries) remains disputed; DHS estimates ~400K in FY2023, but independent analyses (e.g., Cato Institute) suggest overcounting. The claim ignores **structural factors** (e.g., post-pandemic migration surges, global displacement crises) and **policy continuities** (e.g., Title 42 expulsions under both administrations).
Achtergrond
Border security metrics are complex and politically contested. Apprehensions correlate with **economic conditions, violence in Latin America, and U.S. asylum policies**—not solely enforcement strength. Trump’s policies (e.g., 'Remain in Mexico,' border wall construction) **redirected but did not stop** migration flows, while Biden’s rollback of some policies (e.g., ending Title 42 in May 2023) coincided with spikes. Experts note that **comparisons across administrations** require adjusting for external variables like cartels’ adaptability or court rulings blocking policies (e.g., Trump’s asylum bans).
Samenvatting verdict
Donald Trump’s claim that the U.S. had the 'safest border in history' under his administration is false; border apprehensions and drug seizures were higher during his presidency than in prior years, and current border metrics do not support the extreme comparison of 'worst ever.'