Newly released data from the Department of Homeland Security reveals a significant demographic shift in U.S. immigration patterns during the Biden administration, with Caribbean and Latin American nations showing disproportionately high rates of illegal border crossings relative to their populations.
According to Customs and Border Protection statistics covering February 2021 through January 2025, Nicaragua led all nations with 8% of its total population having entered the United States illegally. Cuba followed closely at 7%, with Haiti ranking third at 6% of its population, and Honduras fourth at 5%.
The Trump administration, now back in power, has dramatically altered the official stance on border security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized the previous administration’s policies as having created “a driver of national insecurity” that benefited criminal cartels and human traffickers. In a Fox News interview, Noem claimed the border has transformed from a state of “invasion” to “the safest border in the nation’s history” since Trump’s return to office.
The current administration has launched an extensive deportation initiative targeting undocumented immigrants who entered during Biden’s term, sparking intense congressional debate over Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding. This immigration battle now unfolds amid a partial government shutdown, with nearly 90% of border agents working without pay due to stalled Department of Homeland Security funding legislation.
Border Security Chief Tom Homan maintains that operations continue unimpeded thanks to provisions in the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accuses Democrats of withholding budget approval to politically damage President Trump at the expense of FEMA and Coast Guard personnel.
The fundamental disagreement over border security strategy and undocumented immigrant deportation continues to dominate American political discourse in early 2026.