Every great civilization, from Rome to modern America, has understood one thing: if the law means nothing, society collapses into chaos. For far too long, the United States watched that chaos unfold at our southern border. We were told it was “compassionate” to ignore federal immigration law. We were told prosecuting illegal entry was “racist” or “cruel.” Under the Biden administration, illegally crossing our border became less risky than overstaying a library book.
But now, something remarkable is happening. The law is being enforced again. And the results are nothing short of historic.
A DOJ That Actually Prosecutes Crime
Thanks to President Trump’s second-term Department of Justice, immigration law is no longer just a suggestion. It’s being treated with the seriousness it deserves.
In June alone, federal prosecutors filed more than 6,000 felony and misdemeanor cases against illegal immigrants—over 3,000 for unlawful reentry and another 3,200 for first-time illegal entry. These aren’t just numbers. They represent a radical return to common sense. The United States is finally telling the world: If you violate our border, there are consequences.
To put this in perspective, Biden’s DOJ barely prosecuted even 1% of violators during his tenure. Trump’s DOJ is now prosecuting over 50% of all border arrests. That’s not a typo—fifty percent.
Tom Homan, Trump’s former border czar, put it bluntly: “President Trump has created the most secure border in the history of the nation, and the data proves it… We have never seen numbers this low. Never.” And here’s the kicker: not a single one of the 6,070 people prosecuted in June was released into the U.S. Zero. Zip. Nada.
The Deterrent America Desperately Needed
There’s a reason why this works. Criminals don’t like jail. They’ll risk deportation because under previous administrations, that just meant another free shot at sneaking back in. But a federal prison sentence? That’s a game-changer.
Former immigration judge Andrew Arthur hit the nail on the head: “If I get deported, I get deported. I go back and try again. But when it comes to prosecutions, now you’ve got a federal conviction.” And with a 99% conviction rate, it’s working.
These cases are simple. You’ve been deported. You came back. Case closed. Most end in plea deals. After serving time, the offenders are deported again—this time with a criminal record that ensures they’re flagged immediately if they try again.
Outmaneuvering the Sanctuary City Stalemate
But perhaps the most satisfying part of this crackdown is how it’s outflanking the sanctuary city crowd. For years, leftist mayors and governors made a mockery of immigration enforcement by refusing to cooperate with ICE. But Trump’s DOJ sidestepped their defiance in brilliant fashion—by converting civil violations into criminal ones.
Sanctuary jurisdictions may refuse to help ICE with immigration detainers, but they’ll still comply with federal criminal prosecutions. That means they’re now forced to hand over criminal illegal immigrants for prosecution, even if it makes their woke city councils squirm. Genius.
Just look at the numbers: Georgia’s Northern District went from a trickle of prosecutions to 45 cases in May. Massachusetts saw an increase from one to 43. Even deep-blue bastions aren’t immune anymore.
The Results Are In: It’s Working
This isn’t just about making headlines—it’s about making real change. “Gotaways”—illegal aliens who enter and evade Border Patrol—have dropped by 90%. Yes, ninety percent. The White House now projects that this fiscal year will see the fewest illegal immigrant encounters in fifty years.
Think about that for a moment. After years of hearing “nothing can be done,” the Trump administration is showing that enforcing the law actually works. Who would’ve thought?
It’s a complete reversal of Biden’s lawless open-border policies. Under his watch, enforcement cratered, fentanyl poured in, and sanctuary cities turned into migrant shelters. Now, with real consequences back in play, the tide has turned.
This isn’t cruelty. This is justice. This is sovereignty. This is a nation finally acting like one again.
And the American people are noticing.