President Trump’s border policies have transformed illegal immigration patterns, with smuggling costs soaring while crossings plummet to historic lows. Here’s what you need to know about the changing landscape:

The price surge

Smuggling fees have reached unprecedented levels:

The border numbers

January saw dramatic decreases across all categories:

The smuggling tactics

Cartels are adapting to tighter security:

Deportation impact

Removal numbers show the new approach:

What officials say

The administration sees vindication:

Read more:

• Illegal immigrants paying $30,000 as cartels raise prices amid border crackdown

• Catch & release end: DHS says January saw lowest border numbers since pandemic

• U.S. has deported 14,470 people to Mexico since Donald Trump took office

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The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.