U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has disclosed its operational statistics for March 2025, reflecting significant changes in border control and enforcement. Pete Flores, the Acting Commissioner of CBP, highlighted the decrease in southwest border apprehensions, noting, “U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border for the entire month of March 2025 were lower than the first two days of March 2024." He praised CBP staff for their commitment to national safety.
CBP's statistics show the lowest ever southwest border crossings, and a promising trend is emerging with lowered daily apprehensions. In March, the U.S. Border Patrol averaged 264 daily nationwide apprehensions, a drop of 20% compared to February, and 94% less than the numbers seen in March 2024. Total illegal crossings in March were 7,181, marking substantial reductions from previous months and years.
The Office of Field Operations also saw a reduced average of 673 daily encounters nationwide in March, continuing a decreasing trend. With additional support, CBP has increased border patrols, contributing to these results.
CBP introduced the CBP Home mobile app on March 10, allowing individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. to notify the government of their intention to depart. Improvements to the app include functionality for those departing to confirm their exit.
Assuring compliance with federal laws, CBP conducts inspections on entering individuals and goods. Amid claims regarding changes in electronic media searches due to an administration change, CBP maintains that its search numbers are aligned with a general increase since 2021. Fewer than 0.01% of travelers have their devices searched, essential for maintaining national security.
In trade, CBP ensured the clearance of over 3 million entry summaries, valued at more than $352 billion, and identified nearly $15 billion in duties to be collected. Drug enforcement efforts resulted in significant seizures, including an increase in confiscated fentanyl and methamphetamine in March.
CBP also targeted goods connected to forced labor, stopping 434 shipments for prohibited importation, and seized counterfeit products worth $913 million. Every day, CBP collects over $200 million in revenue related to tariffs, following over a dozen presidential orders.
Thorough audits performed by CBP in March corroborated $310 million owed in duties and fees, recovering over $49 million from past assignments.
As a vital national agency, CBP is tasked with protecting U.S. borders, promoting secure travel and trade, and ensuring economic prosperity through rigorous enforcement and innovative strategies.
