Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller, serving under President Donald Trump, issued a stern warning to migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border illegally.
In a message shared on social media platform X, Miller declared, “All illegal aliens seeking entry into the United States should turn back now. Anyone entering the United States without authorization faces prosecution and expulsion.”
All illegal aliens seeking entry into the United States should turn back now. Anyone entering the United States without authorization faces prosecution and expulsion.
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) January 20, 2025
This statement aligns with President Trump’s swift actions to address illegal immigration, a central theme of his campaign and presidency.
Trump’s approach marks a sharp pivot from the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden, who critics argue adopted a lenient stance on border security. Upon taking office on Monday, Trump quickly signed a series of executive orders aimed at reversing Biden’s “soft-border” policies.
These included the shutdown of the CBP One app, a tool introduced during Biden’s tenure to manage migrant appointments for asylum claims.
Under this system, migrants could schedule appointments to present their cases at the border, often gaining entry into the U.S. while awaiting court hearings years into the future. Critics argued that this practice encouraged fraudulent asylum claims and overwhelmed the immigration system.
Trump’s executive actions also included directives to use the U.S. military to strengthen border security. One order emphasized the importance of preserving the nation’s “sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security” by combating unlawful migration, drug trafficking, human smuggling, and related criminal activities.
The deployment of military resources aims to seal gaps in border security and deter future attempts at illegal entry.
Deportation efforts targeting illegal immigrants, particularly those who have committed crimes in the United States, are scheduled to begin this week in several major cities. These measures are part of Trump’s broader initiative to enforce immigration laws more rigorously.
Trump also reinstated the “remain in Mexico” policy, which requires asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases are processed. This policy, which had been rescinded under Biden, is intended to prevent migrants from entering the U.S. without legitimate asylum claims.
In tandem, Trump ended the practice of “catch-and-release,” where migrants apprehended for immigration violations were released into the U.S. pending court hearings.
A newly issued order instructed the Department of Homeland Security to propose regulations ensuring the consistent use of detention authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
“The termination of ‘catch-and-release’ is a necessary step to restore order at our borders,” the order stated. “Illegal aliens are routinely released into the United States shortly after apprehension, undermining our immigration system and national security.”
These decisive measures reflect Trump’s campaign pledge to prioritize border security and uphold the rule of law. During his previous term, he implemented policies aimed at deterring illegal immigration, including constructing portions of the border wall and increasing deportations.
The administration’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement comes amidst mounting concerns about the humanitarian and security challenges posed by a porous border. Advocates of stricter immigration policies argue that clear consequences for illegal entry are essential to restoring order and protecting American communities.