The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on Apr. 9 that the U.S. Border Patrol has achieved its eleventh consecutive month of zero releases at the southern border, marking what officials describe as a period of historically low border crossings.
Officials say this development is significant because it reflects a sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions, which are now at levels not seen in more than thirty years. The agencies attribute these trends to enforcement policies and increased resources.
"Eleven straight months of ZERO releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history," said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. "The world knows America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers."
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said, "America First policies, real consequences, and a unified federal effort—backed by personnel, infrastructure, and technology—are how we’ve delivered the most secure border in U.S. history." He added that under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, CBP is refining its approach to maintain what he called "the new normal" for border security.
According to data released by CBP for March, daily apprehensions have decreased by 95% compared to the previous administration with fourteen consecutive months registering fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions per month.
In addition to managing migration flows, CBP reported seizing over 65,000 pounds of drugs nationwide in March—including 613 pounds of fentanyl—and noted that drug seizures were up by 27% compared to March two years earlier. The agency also stated it seized more drugs through March this fiscal year than during comparable periods over the last four years.
CBP continues efforts against forced labor and counterfeit goods while supporting agricultural protections across the country through its specialists.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection describes itself as America's largest law enforcement organization with more than 67,000 employees working across land borders as well as air and sea domains.
