Washington, Jan 21 (NationPress) President Donald Trump declared that his administration has significantly tightened U.S. border controls, asserting that tougher enforcement has resulted in a notable decrease in illegal entries and the deportation of serious offenders from the nation.

During a White House media briefing commemorating the first anniversary of his return to office, Trump stated that border security no longer necessitated new legislation. “Biden claimed it couldn’t be done,” he mentioned. “You need legislation. I had no legislation. I said close the border.”

Trump asserted that illegal crossings have plummeted to historical lows. “For eight consecutive months, there were zero illegal aliens admitted to our country,” he remarked, citing government data. “No one entered unless they did so legally.”

The president emphasized that enforcement efforts were directed at criminals rather than undocumented workers. “Right now, we’re focused on removing criminals,” Trump stated, identifying “murderers, drug dealers, the mentally insane” as those targeted for deportation.

He frequently referenced Minnesota as a case of rigorous enforcement. “We have arrested 10,000 criminals in Minnesota alone,” he said. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later verified this statistic, confirming, “10,000 criminals arrested in Minnesota alone.”

Trump commended Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol, stating their work is both dangerous and vital. He noted that officers often face hostility while dealing with violent offenders. “These are tough individuals,” he remarked. “All ICE wants to do is remove them from our country.”

He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with foreign governments in accepting deportees back. “Every country takes them back,” Trump said, indicating that such collaboration was absent under the prior administration. “They don’t do that with me,” he added.

Simultaneously, Trump mentioned that his administration demonstrated flexibility towards non-criminal migrants working in essential sectors. He noted many are employed “on farms” and in “hotels and luncheonettes,” and are not the current focus of enforcement.

In his remarks, Trump condemned what he termed “open border policies” under former President Joe Biden, attributing them to increased crime and instability. He contended that previous policies allowed criminals from prisons and mental institutions overseas to enter the U.S.

The president characterized border control as critical to public safety and national stability, claiming that illegal crossings have decreased by “99.999 percent” and labeling the current situation as “the strongest border in history.”

Immigration continues to be a highly divisive issue in U.S. politics, with enforcement and asylum policies facing ongoing legal and political scrutiny. Trump’s statements suggest that border security will remain a pivotal issue for his administration as it delves deeper into its second term.

For Indian nationals and the Indian diaspora in the U.S., immigration policies are under close observation, especially as enforcement priorities and visa systems are being scrutinized amidst changing political and legal discussions.