Illegal crossings at the U.S.–Mexico border surged in August, with more than 7,200 migrant apprehensions, marking a 57% increase over July’s historic low of 4,600. Officials attribute this uptick largely to previously deported individuals attempting to reenter the country—all under new, stricter enforcement led by the Trump administration.
Despite the rise, the August count remains well below levels seen just a year or two ago, with comparable figures standing at approximately 58,000 in August 2024 and 132,000 in August 2023. Nearly every day, Border Patrol agents report engagement with crossing attempts accompanied by a sharp rise in confrontational behavior and assaults.
A significant enforcement operation in San Diego led to the arrest of dozens of previously deported migrants working illegally at a marijuana farm—where 361 individuals were detained and 14 children rescued. Under current policy, authorities no longer use “catch and release” tactics; all individuals caught are either sent back to Mexico or placed into ICE custody. DHS officials emphasize that no illegal entrants were released into the U.S. interior between May and July, declaring that operational control of the border has been restored.