By Brita Horn | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
“We will close the border. We will stop the invasion of illegals into our country,” President Trump said at an Aurora, Colorado, rally on October 12, 2024. That promise was central to his push for a second term.
Now, just over 100 days in, he’s delivering – tightening the border and reversing years of neglect.
The previous administration under President Joe Biden left a legacy of border chaos. Millions of illegal immigrants crossed into the United States, overwhelming not only border communities but also cities and states far from the frontier.
Colorado has become a hotspot in the fight against organized crime and trafficking.
In Aurora, Tren de Aragua gang members were arrested after violent apartment takeovers. In Denver, authorities seized 800,000 fentanyl pills tied to the Sinaloa Cartel. And in April, a DEA raid on an illegal nightclub in Colorado Springs led to over 100 arrests and the discovery of weapons and synthetic drugs like “pink cocaine.”
These cases make one thing clear: the border crisis isn’t just at the border – it’s here in Colorado. That’s why Trump’s actions matter locally.
Cities like Denver, New York, and Boston had to declare states of emergency as public services hit a breaking point. Schools, hospitals, and local budgets were overwhelmed. That’s the situation President Trump walked into – a country dealing with the fallout of weak border enforcement and open-door policies.
But as President Trump has demonstrated, America does not have to live this way.
In just over 100 days, his administration has achieved what many thought impossible: a near-total transformation of border security.
DHS reports show daily illegal border crossings are down 95% since Trump took office. Even more telling – “gotaways,” who slip past law enforcement and are often tied to trafficking, have dropped by 99%.
These numbers point to a border not just under control – but, as the White House put it, the most secure in modern history.
How did President Trump achieve this?
His administration wasted no time. On day one, he declared a national emergency at the border and made it clear illegal crossings wouldn’t be tolerated. He brought back the “Remain in Mexico” policy, ended catch-and-release, and shut down the CBP One app that had let over a million migrants enter under Biden.
The Laken Riley Act, signed into law, now mandates detention for illegal immigrants charged with theft or violence, honoring the memory of a Georgia student killed by an illegal alien.
Beyond policy changes, Trump mobilized resources at an unprecedented scale.
The Texas National Guard, DEA, U.S. Marshals, and other agencies were brought in to help enforce immigration law. Operation Tidal Wave – a major joint effort – led to more than 800 arrests in just four days, focusing on criminal illegal immigrants.
Under pressure from Trump’s tariff threats, Mexico sent 10,000 troops to its southern border to help stop fentanyl and illegal crossings. Canada also stepped up security on its northern front.
These international partnerships underscore Trump’s ability to leverage diplomacy for American interests.
The numbers tell the story. In March 2025, Border Patrol logged just 7,181 illegal crossings – the lowest ever recorded. One day in February saw only 200 encounters, the lowest in 15 years.
Migrant shelters, once overflowing, are closing as would-be crossers abandon their plans.
Reports say cartel operatives are “genuinely fearful” for the first time in years.
Critics, including the ACLU, say Trump’s approach is too harsh and have challenged policies like asylum limits and his effort to end birthright citizenship. A federal judge put that order on hold in February, citing the 14th Amendment.
Still, Trump’s supporters see these steps as needed to restore order and put Americans first.
The impact extends beyond the border. In Trump’s first month, ICE arrests jumped 627%, with more than 158,000 so far this year – many targeting violent criminals, including MS-13 members and drug traffickers. Deportations have passed 135,000, in line with his pledge to launch the largest removal effort in U.S. history. Taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal immigrants have also been cut, saving billions, according to the Center for Immigration Studies.
President Trump’s first 100 days have sent a clear message: illegal immigration will not be tolerated.
By voting for him, Americans chose safer streets, stronger borders, and relief from the burdens of unchecked migration.
As the White House proclaimed on X, “President Trump was able to do in 100 days what the Biden administration couldn’t – or wouldn’t – do in four years.” With ongoing operations and international cooperation, the administration shows no signs of slowing down, promising a new era of security and sovereignty for the United States.
As Colorado Republicans, we must match President Trump’s resolve with our own. The fight for border security, economic stability, and constitutional freedom starts right here – in our school boards, our county seats, and our statehouse.
It’s time to move forward together – not fracture into factions. Together, we can restore strong, principled leadership in Colorado – and prove that Colorado is ready to help carry this momentum all the way to victory.
Brita Horn is Chair of the Colorado Republican Party, elected in March 2025 to guide the party through a new era of rebuilding and grassroots outreach. A longtime rural Coloradan, she brings decades of experience as a fire chief, former Routt County Treasurer, and advocate for volunteer firefighters and conservative women in leadership. Horn is also a best-selling author, financial educator, and active voice in national GOP affairs. Her leadership blends practical problem-solving with a “big tent” vision to grow the party and engage voters across Colorado.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.