U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released its operational statistics for May 2025, showing significant changes in border security and enforcement measures. Acting Commissioner Pete Flores stated, “Under the leadership of this administration, CBP has received historic support resulting in another 93% decrease in illegal crossings along the southwest border this month when compared with last year.”
The U.S. Border Patrol reported releasing no illegal aliens into the country during May 2025, a stark contrast to the more than 62,000 releases in May 2024. The number of encounters at the southwest border was 8,725, marking a 93% reduction from May 2024.
Nationwide encounters averaged approximately 952 per day in May 2025, a slight decrease from April's figures and the second-lowest daily average on record. Alongside these developments, CBP seized significant quantities of illicit drugs: 718 pounds of fentanyl were confiscated while cocaine and heroin seizures increased by 19% and 191%, respectively.
In trade-related activities, CBP processed over 2.8 million entry summaries valued at more than $276 billion in May. Estimated duties amounted to nearly $26.6 billion. The agency also took action against forced labor practices by stopping shipments valued at over $4.5 million for further examination.
Moreover, CBP seized counterfeit goods worth over $317 million across nearly 3,000 shipments during the same period.
Tariff enforcement remained robust as CBP assessed $46.9 billion in tariff revenue from January to May through various presidential actions.
Finally, audits conducted by CBP identified $139 million owed in duties and fees for improperly declared imported goods; over $29 million was collected.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues its role as America's largest law enforcement organization and first unified border management agency with over 65,000 personnel working to protect national interests.
