The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Mar. 19 that February marked the tenth consecutive month with no illegal aliens released at the border, alongside a significant increase in drug seizures.
Officials say these results reflect ongoing efforts to secure the nation's borders and reduce unlawful crossings. The agencies also reported historically low levels of border apprehensions, as well as record-high drug interdictions for the month.
"Ten straight months of ZERO illegal aliens released at the border. President Trump promised to secure the Border, and that is a promise we delivered," said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. "We have the most secure border in American history. Our borders are CLOSED to lawbreakers."
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said, "February marks the tenth straight month that U.S. Border Patrol has not released a single illegal alien into the interior of the United States — a clear reflection of the enforcement-first posture restoring integrity to our nation’s borders." Scott added, "While threats to our national and economic security continue to evolve, so does our resolve to meet them, as we carry out our mission of protecting the homeland while facilitating lawful travel and trade."
According to DHS data provided in its announcement, total CBP encounters nationwide in February were 26,963—22% lower than last month and 88% below monthly averages during the Biden administration. Southwest border apprehensions for February stood at 6,603, which is 92% lower than historical averages over three decades and 97% below peaks seen under previous policies.
Drug seizures also reached their highest level since October 2021 with CBP seizing over 79,000 pounds of narcotics in February—an increase of 84% from January. Marijuana seizures rose by 129%, fentanyl by 67%, methamphetamine by 46%, cocaine by 39%, and heroin by 10%. Officials attribute these increases to enhanced enforcement measures.
In addition to immigration enforcement and drug interdiction efforts, CBP processed $262 billion in imports during February and identified $26 billion in duties for collection. The agency also stopped more than $11 million worth of shipments suspected of forced labor violations and seized counterfeit goods valued at over $580 million.
CBP agriculture specialists issued more than six thousand emergency action notifications for restricted or prohibited plant and animal products last month while conducting nearly ninety thousand positive passenger inspections related to undeclared agricultural items.
The agencies say these results demonstrate continued progress toward securing U.S. borders while protecting consumers, supply chains, and agriculture.
