Tears flowed freely at the US-Mexico border as desperate migrants learned that their scheduled asylum appointments had been abruptly canceled. This emotional scene unfolded immediately after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a drastic shift in immigration policy.

The CBP One app, which had been a lifeline for thousands of migrants seeking entry into the United States, went offline suddenly at noon on Monday. This application enabled up to 1,450 appointments daily for migrant families to request asylum, and its cancellation left many without hope. A video posted by a Washington Post reporter captured the heart-wrenching reactions of those waiting at the border, who were left in disbelief over the sudden announcement.

Trump's administration signaled a new era of strict border control, promising a series of executive actions aimed at reshaping immigration policies starting the very first day of his second term. Among the anticipated measures, Trump plans to sign 11 Executive Orders focused on enhancing border protection.

This includes the termination of former President Joe Biden's mass parole program, which had facilitated the entry of significant numbers of migrants into the United States.

In a notable policy shift, Trump intends to empower the military to assist in border protection, with the announcement from a Trump official stressing that the Armed Forces would play a critical role in maintaining the nation's sovereignty over its borders.

The administration also aims to designate notorious cartels such as Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), emphasizing their perceived threat to national security.

During his campaign, Trump had made headlines by promising to dismantle Biden’s humanitarian policies. He described the previous administration's approach, including humanitarian flights bringing migrants to various parts of the country, as ineffective and problematic.

“Get ready to leave,” he warned migrants back then, signaling the likelihood of swift deportations for those deemed criminals.

From January 2023 to August 2024, approximately 800,000 migrants entered the U.S. via the now-disrupted CBP One app, while an additional 530,000 utilized humanitarian flights.

As Americans and the world watch closely, further details regarding Trump's executive orders are expected to be announced in the coming days, potentially leading to even more significant changes to the future of immigration at the southern border.

Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold, and witness the impact of policy reform on lives crossed at the border.