Murder Rate in U.S. Cities Drops to Lowest Level Since 1900, White House Reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Murder rates in major American cities plunged to their lowest levels since 1900 last year, according to new data released by the White House on February 5, 2026. The dramatic 21% decline in homicides during 2025 marks the largest single-year drop in recorded history, officials said, crediting aggressive federal law enforcement efforts and immigration policies implemented under President Donald Trump’s administration.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the figures during a briefing, emphasizing that the reduction in violent crime is the result of a comprehensive approach that includes securing the nation’s borders, dismantling criminal gangs, and increasing arrests of violent offenders. “This dramatic decline is what happens when a president secures the border, fully mobilizes federal law enforcement to arrest violent criminals and aggressively deport the worst of the worst illegal aliens from our country,” Leavitt stated.
According to the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ), the murder rate across the largest U.S. cities fell to 4.0 per 100,000 residents in 2025. This improvement was accompanied by a 23% drop in robberies and a striking 43% decrease in carjackings. Cities such as Washington, D.C., and Memphis reported some of the most significant crime declines, reflecting the impact of coordinated federal and local efforts.
The administration’s strategy included a surge in arrests by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies targeting violent gangs and criminal networks. Additionally, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency intensified deportations of undocumented immigrants with criminal records, a move the White House says has contributed to public safety improvements.
These developments come amid ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and criminal justice policies. The White House has maintained a firm stance on border security and law enforcement, despite criticism from some Democratic leaders. Leavitt reaffirmed that the administration will not “waver” on its crackdown on illegal immigration, asserting that the policies are central to sustaining the historic crime reductions.
Data from the Department of Homeland Security supports the narrative of increased enforcement, showing a rise in federal arrests and removals of individuals deemed threats to public safety. The administration credits these measures with restoring order and reducing violence in communities long plagued by crime.
Experts note that while the statistics are encouraging, continued vigilance and collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities will be essential to maintain and build on these gains. The White House’s announcement underscores the political and policy significance of crime reduction as the nation approaches the 2026 midterm elections.
As cities celebrate the historic drop in murder rates, the broader implications for public safety, immigration policy, and criminal justice reform remain at the forefront of national discourse.
Leave a Reply