Migration Declines at the U.S.-Mexico Border Amid Tariff Threats

Tue Oct 21 2025 02:33:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

With the potential imposition of tariffs looming, the flow of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border has significantly dropped, impacting shelters and local communities.

The number of migrants attempting to cross from Mexico into the United States has plummeted, transforming once-bustling border towns into quiet areas. This change raises questions about the effectiveness of international policies and their economic repercussions.

On the brink of President Trump’s impending tariffs on Mexico, a noticeable absence of migrants can be seen along the U.S.-Mexico border. Previously crowded locations like Ciudad Juárez, Tijuana, and Matamoros, which were once filled with shelters overflowing with people from around the world, now reflect a stark contrast. These spaces, which were once lively, now mostly host only a few families.

The U.S. border's deserted landscape shows remnants of the past: abandoned belongings - dust-covered clothes, empty water bottles, and personal items left behind. The Reverend William Morton, a missionary serving meals to migrants in Ciudad Juárez, reported, “All that is over. Nobody can cross,” highlighting the dramatic shift following strict immigration protocols.

According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection recorded only 200 apprehensions at the southern border last Saturday, marking the lowest daily figure in over 15 years. President Trump has attributed the significant drop in numbers to his administration's strict immigration policies. Despite this, he is sending more troops to the border, framing this movement as a necessary response to what he labels as an "invasion."

Those affected by these changes and the broader economic implications wonder how this situation might evolve in the coming weeks as tariff discussions continue amidst a decline in cross-border immigration.