President Donald Trump’s administration has turned the tide on unauthorized immigration with a vigor that’s got conservatives cheering from the sidelines.

In a stunning display of policy muscle, Trump’s team has pushed out over 2.5 million unauthorized migrants this year alone through a mix of executive actions and strict enforcement, while claiming a seven-month streak of zero releases into the country, according to the Daily Caller. 

Right out of the gate on January 20, 2025, Trump signed a flurry of executive orders targeting unauthorized immigration with laser focus. These measures didn’t just tweak policy—they branded dangerous groups like the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, El Salvador’s MS-13, and Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

Executive Orders Set Aggressive Tone

Later in the year, another executive order slammed the door on social security benefits for unauthorized migrants, sending a clear message: no more handouts. It’s a move that’s got the progressive crowd clutching their pearls, but for many on the right, it’s just common sense.

Scott Jennings, a host on Salem Radio Network, didn’t hold back when he spoke on "This Week" with guest host Jonathan Karl. “I think on the immigration piece, it’s been his biggest success this year, it’s the biggest promise fulfilled,” Jennings declared. And honestly, when you look at the numbers, it’s hard to argue with that enthusiasm.

Jennings pointed out that a whopping 2.5 million unauthorized migrants have left the country in 2025, with a significant chunk opting to self-deport. Many used the government’s CBP Home app, while others simply packed up and headed out on their own. It’s a pragmatic exodus, not a forced march, which shows the administration’s messaging is hitting home.

Self-Deportation Numbers Tell the Story

The Department of Homeland Security backed up those figures on December 10, 2025, confirming that of the 2.5 million who left, 1.9 million chose to self-deport. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a signal that policies are shifting behavior without always needing a heavy hand.

On December 15, 2025, the administration doubled down with a bold statement: no unauthorized migrants have been released into the U.S. for seven straight months. Compare that to the previous administration’s record of releasing hundreds of thousands, per U.S. Customs and Border Protection stats, and you’ve got a stark contrast. It’s the kind of turnaround that makes you wonder why this wasn’t done sooner.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for Public Affairs, put it bluntly: “Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now.” She added, “They know if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.” That’s not just tough talk—it’s a policy stance that’s clearly resonating.

Strict Enforcement, No New Laws

Now, let’s be clear: not a single new immigration law has been passed since Trump took office again. Jennings noted this on "This Week," emphasizing that the administration is simply enforcing existing statutes with a ferocity the prior team lacked. It’s a refreshing change for those tired of endless legislative gridlock.

The left may cry foul over this hardline approach, but for many conservatives, it’s about time someone upheld the rule of law. Why should enforcing current policies be controversial? It’s a question the progressive agenda struggles to answer without veering into emotional rhetoric.

Jennings captured the mood among Trump supporters perfectly, noting their excitement over the aggressive enforcement. Republicans across the country aren’t just satisfied—they’re downright thrilled to see a president stick to his campaign promises with such gusto.

Conservatives Celebrate Policy Wins

This isn’t about grandstanding; it’s about results that speak for themselves. Over 2.5 million departures, a near-two-million self-deportation wave, and a border policy that finally says “no entry” with conviction—it’s a trifecta of wins for those who value secure borders.

Critics might argue this approach lacks compassion, but let’s not confuse kindness with carte blanche. The administration’s focus on law enforcement offers a framework where rules matter, and that’s a foundation many Americans have been craving for years.

At the end of the day, Trump’s immigration strategy in 2025 has delivered on a core promise, and conservatives are taking notice. It’s not about turning away from humanity—it’s about ensuring a system that’s fair, firm, and functional. If this is the benchmark for promise-keeping, the bar has been set impressively high.