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EL PASO, US - MAY 8, 2025: Counterterrorism efforts along the U.S.-Mexico border have driven illegal crossings down to their lowest level in 25 years. Policies implemented since President Donald Trump's inauguration include aggressive deportations, the designation of Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations, and enhanced border security. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports a 95% drop in illegal migrant apprehensions, from about 250,000 in December 2023 to roughly 7,000 by March 2025, credited to Trump’s tough policies post-January 2025. The US Border Patrol, covering the 3,000-kilometer border, notes the fewest crossings since 2000. An Anadolu team visited the city of El Paso, Texas, observing border patrol at Cristo Rey Mountain, a former hotspot, and military units in new National Defense Zones. A border wall, up to 9 meters tall, breaks at Cristo Rey’s rugged terrain, once a major crossing point. CBP also uses AI cameras and drones to control the border. In New Mexico, a military unit with drones and thermal vehicles aids the Border Patrol. Operations of the U.S. Border Patrol appear to be directly impacting illegal organizations and their illicit activities along the U.S. southern border, while also curbing illegal crossings. - Trump's anti-immigration moves After returning to the White House this January, Trump announced the termination of the CBP One app, which provided legal pathways for immigration. Trump also ordered the preparation of a detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to hold up 30,000 migrants who are living illegally in the US. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the facility as "a perfect place" to detain deported migrants.(Footage by Can Hasasu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)