The U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector has reported a sharp decrease in illegal border crossings for Fiscal Year 2025. The sector, which covers 517 miles of the U.S. Southwest border, recorded 3,096 apprehensions in FY 2025 compared to 11,823 in FY 2023, representing a decline of 74 percent over two years.
Officials attribute this reduction to a combination of strengthened border security policies and improvements in detection technology. Expanded Title 8 enforcement authorities and the discontinuation of catch and release policies have played roles in these changes. The sector has also deployed 55 autonomous surveillance towers and other technologies to increase operational effectiveness.
Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Lloyd M. Easterling commented on the development: “The decrease in illegal entries is a testament to strong border policy, as well as the tireless efforts of our agents, support personnel, and partners like the Department of War and Texas Military Department. The men and women of Big Bend Sector have shown resolve, expertise and heart. They conduct their border security mission with great skill while operating in some of the most rugged terrain in the country.”
The agency says it will continue efforts to sustain these enforcement gains, disrupt criminal smuggling networks operated by Mexican drug cartels, and maintain community safety.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) describes itself as America’s largest law enforcement organization and a unified border management agency with more than 67,000 employees working across land, air, and sea operations.
Further details on nationwide encounters are available at Nationwide Encounters | U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
