US-Mexico Border
What is the new self-deportation campaign launched by the Department of Homeland Security?
The Department of Homeland Security has launched a comprehensive self-deportation campaign targeting all undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The campaign's message is clear and direct: all undocumented individuals should voluntarily leave the country, regardless of how long they've been in the U.S. or their circumstances. According to Pierre Thomas, the government warns that those who don't self-deport and are later found will be forcibly removed with no path to return. This policy represents a significant shift, as it targets all undocumented immigrants, not just those with criminal backgrounds.
Watch clip answer (01:26m)
ABC News
03:17 - 04:43
How did border apprehensions change after the Trump administration took office?
Border apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border plummeted by approximately one-third in January, with nearly 35,000 fewer apprehensions compared to December. This significant drop coincided with the change in leadership to the Trump administration, which made immigration one of its primary focuses following the election. The decline became even more pronounced after President Trump officially took office on January 20. While seasonal factors like cold weather might contribute to fewer border crossings in winter months, the timing and scale of the decrease strongly suggest that the Trump administration's immigration stance and policy shifts played a substantial role in reducing unauthorized border crossings.
Watch clip answer (00:27m)
ABC News
00:00 - 00:27
How have immigration numbers at the southern border changed under the Trump administration compared to the Biden administration?
There has been a dramatic decline in border apprehensions since President Trump took office. Comparing January 2024 to January 2025, there were 100,000 fewer people being apprehended at the southern border - a significant decrease. While the Biden administration's executive order from June 2024 had begun to reduce numbers somewhat, the decrease has accelerated substantially under Trump's leadership. This reflects a major shift in immigration enforcement and border policy between the two administrations, with the Trump administration's messaging and policy changes having a measurable impact on border crossing attempts.
Watch clip answer (00:48m)ABC News
00:27 - 01:16
How is the Trump administration escalating efforts to combat drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking in Mexico?
President Trump and CIA Director John Radcliffe have intensified action against Mexican drug cartels through increased CIA drone flights deep into Mexican sovereign territory. These drones collect intelligence on potential fentanyl labs, which CIA officers then share with Mexican officials to support joint operations. In response to the Trump administration's concerns about fentanyl, Mexico has reportedly deployed 10,000 troops to the border this month. However, the Trump administration is pushing for more aggressive measures, specifically demanding that Mexico increase efforts to destroy and dismantle fentanyl production labs and seize larger quantities of the drug.
Watch clip answer (00:46m)
WION
00:24 - 01:10
How is the US military expanding its surveillance operations to combat drug trafficking beyond the border?
The US military's Northern Command is expanding its surveillance operations along the southern border while working alongside CIA efforts. Northern Command has conducted over two dozen surveillance drone flights using various aircraft, including P8s and drones, though unlike the CIA, it does not enter Mexican airspace. To support these operations, the military established a specialized intelligence task force of 140 analysts stationed near the border. These analysts process and evaluate the intelligence gathered from surveillance flights and other sources, creating a comprehensive approach to monitoring drug trafficking activities while respecting territorial boundaries.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)WION
01:56 - 02:36
What was the US Defense Secretary's stance on potential cross-border operations into Mexico to combat drug cartels?
During a visit to the southwestern border, the US Defense Secretary did not rule out conducting cross-border raids to pursue cartels inside Mexico. When speaking to reporters, he specifically stated that 'all options are on the table.' This statement suggests an increasingly aggressive approach to combating drug cartels and fentanyl trafficking across the US-Mexico border. The vague yet significant declaration indicates the US government's willingness to consider military actions inside Mexico as part of its broader strategy to dismantle cartel operations and address the fentanyl crisis.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)WION
03:03 - 03:16