Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary | official facebook
Border crossings in the United States have reached a new record low for November 2025, according to preliminary data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Both U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions and total CBP encounters declined from October to November, marking the lowest number of encounters at the start of a fiscal year on record.
Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the 7th straight month of zero releases. Month after month, we are delivering results that were once thought impossible: the most secure border in history and unmatched enforcement successes. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than ever before.”
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott added, “Our focus is unwavering: secure the border, enforce the law, and protect this nation. These numbers reflect the tireless efforts of our agents and officers who are delivering results that redefine border security. We’re not slowing down. We’re setting the pace for the future.”
The report highlights that there were 30,367 total encounters nationwide in November—slightly lower than October’s figure of 30,573. For October and November combined, there were 60,940 total encounters nationwide. This is 28% lower than the previous lowest start to a fiscal year recorded in FY2012.
For seven consecutive months, U.S. Border Patrol reported zero releases of illegal aliens into the United States; every individual apprehended was processed according to law.
From January 21 through the end of November this year, there have been 117,105 total enforcement encounters along the southwest border—a figure that is 37% less than the monthly average during President Biden’s administration.
Since President Trump took office, nationwide apprehensions by U.S. Border Patrol have averaged under 10,000 per month.
On average in November 2025, there were 245 daily apprehensions along the southwest border—less than 11 per hour—which represents a decrease of approximately 95% compared to an average daily rate of over 5,100 during February 2021 through December 2024.
Drug seizures also increased in November: CBP seized a total of 54,947 pounds of drugs nationwide—a rise of about one-third from October levels. Fentanyl seizures reached their highest monthly level since last October at 1,543 pounds (a nearly 60% increase from October). Methamphetamine seizures more than doubled from October with a reported total of 21,935 pounds (up by about 118%), while cocaine seizures increased by around two-fifths to reach 8,240 pounds.
Final figures will be released in coming weeks as Department of Homeland Security officials continue efforts to secure national borders and uphold legal processes.
