President Donald Trump issued a formal proclamation this week recognizing the 101st anniversary of the United States Border Patrol (USBP) and outlining his administration’s renewed efforts to combat illegal immigration. In the proclamation, released Tuesday, Trump praised Border Patrol agents as key defenders in what he has consistently described as a “war” against illegal border crossings, drug smuggling, and international criminal networks.
“For 101 years, members of the United States Border Patrol have courageously served as guardians of our sovereignty and protectors of our homeland against invasion, aggression, and violence,” Trump wrote. “Every day, Border Patrol agents selflessly risk their lives to repel the flow of deadly drugs, weapons, criminals, and terrorists.”
The president framed the milestone as a moment to both honor past sacrifices and recommit the federal government to supporting the agency’s current mission. Trump emphasized that the role of Border Patrol agents has become even more vital amid what he characterized as failures by the prior administration to secure the southern border.
“Unfortunately, the last administration — in an extraordinary act of deception and betrayal — imported an army of unvetted illegal aliens, including violent criminals, thugs, gang members, and terrorists from the darkest and most dangerous parts of the world,” he stated.
Since returning to office in January 2025, President Trump has taken a series of high-profile actions aimed at reversing the border policies of the Biden administration and reinforcing U.S. immigration law. On his first day back in office, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, granting expanded authority to the Department of Defense to assist with border enforcement operations.
Among other executive actions, the Trump administration has resumed construction of the border wall, reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, ended the catch-and-release practice, and launched what the president described as the largest deportation operation in American history.
The administration also designated several transnational criminal organizations, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist entities. This designation enables additional legal and financial tools to be used in dismantling these groups’ operations, which often include drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crime.
According to the proclamation, these efforts have yielded substantial results. Trump claimed that within his first 100 days back in office, daily border encounters dropped by 95 percent, and migrant crossings fell by 99.99 percent. He also reported that fentanyl trafficking dropped 54 percent compared to March of the previous year.
During the same period, the administration reported over 150,000 arrests and more than 135,000 deportations of individuals in the country illegally.
“These numbers show that when we prioritize enforcement and respect the rule of law, we can restore order and security at our borders,” Trump said.
While celebrating the achievements of active personnel, Trump also honored the sacrifices of Border Patrol agents who have died in the line of duty. “As we celebrate 101 years of the USBP, we honor the thousands of patriots who dedicate their careers to defending our borders and upholding the rule of law, even in the face of grave danger and tremendous risk,” he said.
The president also committed to strengthening the agency’s capabilities going forward, pledging additional resources, support, and recognition for their efforts.
“Our work is only just beginning,” he concluded. “In their memory, and in honor of their beloved family members, we pledge to empower the USBP to safeguard the American homeland today, tomorrow, and beyond.”
The proclamation comes amid continued debate over immigration policy, with supporters of the administration praising the renewed focus on border security and critics warning of humanitarian and legal concerns. Nonetheless, Trump has made it clear that immigration enforcement will remain a top priority throughout his second term.
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