Youth-Led Criminal Cells Shift to Targeting Locals in Mexican City As Migrant Crossings Hit Record Lows

During the first half of 2025, Ciudad Juárez recorded 36 kidnappings — the highest number in a decade — with many victims being local residents, as migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border dropped to record lows. (Credit: Via Getty Images)

Upon returning to office, President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency at the southern border, deploying thousands of troops to prevent migrants from entering the country unlawfully through Mexico.

Last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded the lowest number of illegal border crossings in recent history, with 24,628 encounters nationwide. Along the southern border, CBP reported just 7,832 encounters and a record low of only 4,601 apprehensions.