At the start of fiscal year 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported 91,603 nationwide encounters from October through December 2025. This figure is more than 76% lower than the same period in the previous year, when CBP recorded 392,196 encounters under the Biden administration. According to data released by the House Committee on Homeland Security, this marks the lowest number of border encounters at the beginning of a fiscal year on record.
The committee credits these reductions to a series of policies enacted since President Trump took office. These measures include strengthening border wall systems, ending catch-and-release practices, targeting criminal cartels, and supporting law enforcement efforts. Nationwide border encounters fell by 62% in December compared to January 2025, while apprehensions at the Southwest border dropped by over 77% during that same period.
“The Trump administration and House Republicans made a promise to secure our borders and protect our communities from dangerous criminals and deadly drugs. One year later, it’s clearer than ever that enforcing our laws and providing the resources needed to continue that enforcement has helped make historic strides in securing the homeland––and this is only the beginning,” said House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY). “As the new year begins, this Committee looks forward to ensuring that resources provided by Congress continue to empower our Border Patrol agents and CBP officers to carry out their core missions and continue building long-term resilience at our borders.”
Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) added: “Thanks to the hard work of federal law enforcement and the strong border security policies President Trump has enacted since day one, 2025 was a monumental year for protecting our communities. A secure border is a victory for all Americans. I am proud of the work we have done on the Homeland Security Committee to support DHS’s mission through the Reconciliation Bill in 2025, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Trump administration to ensure future generations benefit from the progress we are making today.”
CBP data shows that in December there were 30,698 nationwide border encounters—a decrease of over 91% compared with December 2023. Apprehensions between ports of entry at the Southwest border totaled 6,478 last month—an 86% reduction compared with December FY25 figures.
In addition to reductions in unlawful crossings, CBP reports indicate eight consecutive months without parole releases by U.S. Border Patrol as of December. In contrast, more than 7,000 inadmissible individuals were released along the Southwest border in December 2024 under previous policies.
Drug interdiction efforts also saw significant results. In December alone, CBP seized approximately 39,030 pounds of illicit drugs nationwide. The agency notes that as land borders become more secure, criminal networks are shifting operations toward maritime routes; roughly four out of five drug seizures en route to America now occur at sea. In fiscal year 2025, U.S. Coast Guard personnel intercepted nearly 510,000 pounds of cocaine in both Eastern Pacific and Caribbean waters.
The Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement recently held a hearing focused on CBP’s use of non-intrusive inspection technology at U.S. borders—a tool designed for detecting illegal drugs, currency smuggling operations, contraband items, and concealed individuals crossing into or out of America.
In July 2025 President Trump signed into law House Republicans’ reconciliation package known as “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which allocated over $1 billion for inspection technology enhancements.
As part of ongoing infrastructure investments using these funds—and as of January—CBP has awarded contracts covering construction for an additional 587 miles of barriers along various sections including smart walls, water barriers, and secondary fencing systems.
