President Donald Trump is making good on his promise to stop illegal migration and curb the flow of illegal drugs and illegal imports to the United States.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced, on June 19, 13 consecutive months of zero releases at the border, continuing the unprecedented trend of historically low border crossings. By “zero release” DHS means that at the U.S. border no undocumented migrants have been allowed to enter the United States under the current enforcement policy. Instead of releasing individuals who cross illegally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents arrest and deport them.
“Thirteen straight months of ZERO releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “The days of catch and release are over,” he noted. “We are enforcing the nation’s laws and quickly sending illegal aliens back to their home countries, ensuring the safety and sovereignty of our nation.”
Illegal crossings in May remained historically low. The U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border in May (9,998) were 94% lower than the monthly average of the previous administration and 96% below its peak. These numbers are less than what was apprehended in just three days in May 2024. Daily average apprehensions drastically reduced. The Border Patrol’s average number of apprehensions per day along the southwest border in May (323) was 94% lower than the daily average under the previous administration.
Fiscal year to date apprehensions historically low. Total Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border this fiscal year through May are 26% lower than just one month on average from Fiscal Years 1992 through 2024.
CBP has seized 56% more drugs this fiscal year through May than it seized during the same period of FY 2024.
In May, CBP stopped 247 shipments valued at more than $44 million for potential forced labor violations. CBP seized a quantity of 2 million counterfeit goods valued at over $400 million.
“This milestone, coupled with historically low illegal crossings, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to securing our nation. Our robust enforcement policies are working, and we are delivering unprecedented results in border security, drug interdiction, and trade enforcement,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “These sustained successes are a testament to our strategic approach and the vital support we receive, thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Mullin.”