DHS claims of shrinking illegal populations clash with Pew Research's latest findings: unauthorized immigrants hit a record 14 million in 2023, with 6 million under temporary deportation protections. While enforcement actions increased in 2025, the net reduction remains unverified against the historic 3.5 million surge from 2021-2023.
The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 allocates $10.9B for ICE operations, yet fails to address systemic loopholes like parole programs that added 700,000 protected entries.
Real border security requires permanent structural reforms, not seasonal press releases.