LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – Immigration into Webb County dropped 95%, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates, one of the sharpest declines in the country.
The latest estimates, measured through July 1, 2025, show immigration down 95% from 2024 to 2025 in Webb County.
It’s not just a Webb County story.
New numbers say the population in the U.S. is at a standstill or even declining in some counties.
The census reports that about three out of every four counties either grew at a slower rate or did not grow at all over the last year.
It comes down to two main things: immigration fell sharply from 2024 to 2025, based on estimates measured through July 1, 2025, and fewer families are having children than in years past.
But in Laredo, leaders say the local picture is more complicated. The mayor says uncertainty is changing where people choose to live, while Precinct 1 Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez says Webb County is still seeing continued growth and development.
“Because what we see on that article or on paper is not what we see visually. Here in the county and in Laredo, we see economic development thriving. We see neighborhoods being developed, so we see that Laredo and Webb County keeps growing,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said increased immigration enforcement could be contributing to the decline. But he said the broader picture in Webb County still looks like growth.
“Immigration has been enforced a lot more in these times and we see a reduction of illegal crossings, which is always great to hear. But in the sense of Webb County being stagnant or decreasing in numbers, I just don’t see that,” Gonzalez said.
In a statement, Laredo Mayor Dr. Víctor Treviño said this isn’t just a general population slowdown — it’s a change in where people feel comfortable living.
He said it’s the immigration enforcement environment that creates uncertainty, with some people choosing to live or stay in Mexico, even impacting legal visa holders.
However, Gonzalez said these numbers matter because census data helps decide how much money comes back to the community.
“The more that gets reported through the census reports, the more funding that becomes available. Our city government, our county government, school districts, we all depend on census numbers,” Gonzalez said.
And there are already signs of these impacts. One Laredo school district says enrollment is down and has proposed closing two elementary schools within the district.
Those census estimates are the most recent snapshot from the agency, and they’re expected to factor into how communities plan for future growth and services.
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