U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported zero releases for the eighth consecutive month, marking historic lows in border encounters during December 2025 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2026.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated, “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than any time in our nation’s history. What President Trump and our CBP agents and officers have been able to do in a single year is nothing short of extraordinary. Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the 8th 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.”
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott added, “Our agents and officers have set a new standard for border security, achieving historic results that speak for themselves. The men and women of CBP are demonstrating what’s possible through unwavering commitment and effective enforcement and will continue to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s borders every single day.”
According to operational statistics released by CBP, encounter totals at the start of fiscal year 2026 reached their lowest levels on record. Illegal crossings in December also remained at historically low levels.
CBP continues its efforts against foreign terrorist organizations by focusing on detection, identification, and seizure of illicit drugs before they enter U.S. communities. In December nationwide, CBP seized 39,030 pounds of illicit drugs.
In addition to its security mission, CBP enforces trade laws through tariff policy implementation as directed by presidential actions from the Trump administration. The agency collected significant revenue through these measures between January 20 and December 31.
CBP states that it remains committed to enforcing safe travel and trade while protecting economic interests through audits, targeting operations, import reviews, innovation, intelligence sharing, collaboration with partners, and public trust.
Further details on monthly operational statistics can be found on CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage. Additional information about drug seizures is available on their Drug Seizure Statistics page; data regarding tariff collections can be accessed via CBP’s tariff implementation page.
