Border Patrol Didn’t Release a Single Illegal into the U.S. Last Month

6/17/2025

Action Summary

  • Border Security Achievement: U.S. Border Patrol did not release any illegal immigrants into the interior last month.
  • Comparative Context: Contrast highlighted with Biden Administration’s policy, which resulted in 64,000 releases in May 2024.
  • Detention Statistics: 8,725 migrants were apprehended at the southern border last month, marking a 93% decrease from 117,905 apprehensions in May 2024.
  • Policy Impact: Acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Pete Flores attributes the success to the Trump administration’s stringent border policies.
  • Political Implication: The result is presented as a fulfillment of campaign promises and a significant policy turnaround.

Risks & Considerations

  • The Executive Order’s emphasis on strict border control policies could impact Vanderbilt University by potentially reducing the number of international students and scholars, particularly those from countries affected by these policies. This could affect the university’s diversity and the breadth of perspectives within its academic community.
  • There is a risk that the university’s reliance on international talent for research and teaching could be compromised, leading to potential gaps in expertise and innovation.
  • Vanderbilt may need to consider strategies to support current international students and staff who might be affected by these policies, including legal assistance and advocacy efforts.
  • The university’s partnerships and collaborations with international institutions could face challenges if travel and visa restrictions are tightened, potentially affecting joint research projects and academic exchanges.

Impacted Programs

  • International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at Vanderbilt may need to increase its support services to assist students and staff affected by the border policies, including providing guidance on visa issues and legal rights.
  • The Office of Global Safety and Security might need to enhance its monitoring of international travel advisories and provide updated guidance to students and faculty planning to travel abroad.
  • Vanderbilt’s Research Centers that rely on international collaboration may need to explore alternative methods of engagement, such as virtual partnerships, to continue their work without interruption.
  • The Admissions Office may need to adjust its recruitment strategies to ensure a diverse and inclusive student body despite potential decreases in international applicants.

Financial Impact

  • The reduction in international student enrollment could lead to a decrease in tuition revenue, as international students often pay higher tuition rates than domestic students.
  • Vanderbilt may need to allocate additional resources to support services for international students and staff, potentially impacting the university’s budget.
  • There could be a need for increased investment in legal and advocacy services to support affected members of the university community, which may require reallocation of funds from other areas.
  • Opportunities for securing federal grants and funding for research involving international collaboration may be limited, necessitating a shift in focus towards domestic research initiatives.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

  • Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in immigration policies, as these could impact the university’s international student population and research collaborations. Understanding these shifts will be crucial for adapting recruitment and support strategies for international students.
  • The International Student and Scholar Services should prepare to provide additional support and guidance to current and prospective international students who may be affected by stricter immigration policies. This includes offering resources and assistance with visa applications and compliance.
  • Vanderbilt’s Research Administration should assess the potential impact of immigration policy changes on research projects that rely on international collaboration. Identifying alternative funding sources and partnerships may be necessary to mitigate any disruptions.

Opportunities

  • The university can leverage its expertise in immigration policy and law to conduct research and provide insights into the effects of these policy changes. This research can inform public discourse and policy-making, enhancing Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in this area.
  • By engaging with policymakers and advocacy groups, Vanderbilt can contribute to shaping immigration policies that support educational and research objectives. This engagement can also help the university advocate for policies that benefit its diverse community.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on international students and research collaborations.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.8

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No explicit timeline or directive is mentioned regarding the implementation or enforcement of any policies in the text.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): The CBP, which includes the U.S. Border Patrol, is central to the enforcement measures described, reflecting the administration’s focus on preventing illegal crossings.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): As the parent agency of CBP, DHS is indirectly impacted by the adjusted operational protocols and overall border security strategy.
  • The White House: The executive messaging and policy assertions emanating from the White House indicate its involvement in directing and shaping these immigration enforcement strategies.

Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of Federal Agencies are directly involved in the reported actions.)

Responsible Officials

  • Acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner (Pete Flores) – Charged with executing the administration’s tough border policies and directly overseeing the operational guidelines at the border.
  • U.S. Border Patrol Agents – Tasked with enforcing the directives by ensuring no migrants are released into the interior, demonstrating adherence to the established border security strategies.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives impact an agency head and the operational enforcement officers responsible for carrying out rigorous border policies.)