U.S. border authorities say apprehensions, encounters, and releases fell to record lows in late 2025, marking the eighth straight month with no illegal migrants released into the country.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported its eighth consecutive month with zero illegal border crossings released into the United States in December, citing what it described as the lowest level of border encounters and apprehensions ever recorded.
According to the agency, border encounters during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 totaled 91,603, representing a 25 percent drop from the previous record low of 121,496 set in 2012. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border fell to 21,815 during the quarter, which CBP said is 95 percent lower than the first-quarter average during the Biden administration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem credited the results to the administration’s enforcement strategy and border personnel. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than any time in our nation’s history,” Noem wrote in a statement shared on social media Friday. “Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the 8th straight month of zero releases.”
In a statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security Friday, CBP said the agency recorded historic lows across multiple enforcement metrics, including illegal crossings, drug interdictions, and trade enforcement.
CBP reported that December apprehensions were 96 percent lower than the Biden-era average and were fewer than apprehensions recorded during a four-day stretch in December 2024. The agency said none of those apprehended in December were released into the United States.
The agency also reported seizing 39,030 pounds of illicit drugs during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, including 865 pounds of fentanyl, 12,833 pounds of methamphetamine, 3,793 pounds of cocaine, 164 pounds of heroin, and 14,445 pounds of marijuana.
On the trade enforcement side, CBP said it identified $28.4 billion in duties owed on imports last month. Since President Trump took office on Jan. 20, the agency reported collecting $297 billion in tariffs, taxes, and fees.
“Our agents and officers have set a new standard for border security, achieving historic results that speak for themselves,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said. “The men and women of CBP are demonstrating what’s possible through unwavering commitment and effective enforcement and will continue to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s borders every single day.”
DHS previously reported in October that more than 2.5 million illegal aliens had left the United States since the administration’s immigration crackdown began. That figure included an estimated 1.9 million self-deportations and more than 622,000 formal deportations, according to the department.