U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released its operational statistics for November 2024, showing a decline in encounters along the southwest border. This decrease is attributed to enhanced enforcement efforts and executive actions coordinated with Mexico and Central American countries.
Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner, stated that these efforts have had a "sustained, meaningful impact" on reducing unlawful border crossings. Since June's Presidential Proclamation on Securing the Border, there has been a more than 60% drop in encounters between ports of entry from May to November.
The CBP report indicates an increase in migrant removals from the U.S., with expedited removal processes doubling since June. From June through November, over 240,000 individuals were removed or returned to more than 160 countries.
In fiscal year 2024, DHS completed over 700,000 removals and returns—the highest number since 2010. The agency also reduced removal processing times by half compared to historical averages.
On the northern border, expanded enforcement led to an 80% reduction in encounters between ports of entry from June to November. In the Swanton Sector specifically, encounters dropped by 85%.
In November alone, U.S. Border Patrol recorded approximately 46,610 encounters along the southwest border—a significant decrease compared to previous months and years.
The CBP One mobile application continues to play a role in scheduling lawful entry appointments at ports of entry. Over 43,000 individuals were processed at ports of entry using information submitted through this app in November.
Drug seizures have also been highlighted in the report. In November 2024 alone, CBP seized significant amounts of fentanyl and other drugs across various operations nationwide.
Additionally, CBP has been actively working against counterfeit goods entering the country. In November alone, they seized shipments valued at over $164 million containing counterfeit products.
Finally, CBP agriculture specialists issued numerous emergency action notifications for restricted plant and animal products entering the U.S., maintaining their commitment to protecting America's natural resources and economic prosperity.
