Trump Administration Delivers 11 Straight Months of Zero Releases at the Border

 

Border encounters for first six months of the fiscal year are the lowest in recorded history

Today, the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced U.S. Border Patrol’s 11th consecutive month of zero releases at the southern border, continuing the trend of historically low border crossings.

“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.”

“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,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, we’re building on what works, refining our approach, and locking in real border security.  This isn’t temporary—it’s the new normal.”

The sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions—now at levels not seen in over three decades—shows the impact of robust enforcement policies. With daily apprehensions down 95% from the previous administration and 14 consecutive months of fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions, the border remains more secure than at any point in history.

Below is a snapshot of March’s key figures. Full monthly reporting can be viewed on CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage.

Border Enforcement at Historic Levels:

Illegal crossings in March remained historically low:

• Southwest border apprehensions were 97% lower than under Biden
  • The U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border in March (8,268) were 90% lower than the monthly average over the last 33 years and 97% below the peak of the Biden administration (December 2023).
  • 14th consecutive month of fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions.
• Daily average apprehensions in March remain 95% lower than under Biden
  • The U.S. Border Patrol’s average number of apprehensions per day along the southwest border in March (267) were 95% lower than the daily average under the Biden administration.
  • The number of U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions per day in March was less than a single hour during the height of the Biden administration (336 per hour in December 2023).

Drug Interdictions That Save Lives

CBP remains on the frontline against drug smuggling, seizing dangerous narcotics before they reach American communities.

Nationwide in March, CBP seized over 65,000 pounds of drugs, including 613 pounds of fentanyl. CBP seized 27% more drugs this month than in March 2024.

CBP has seized 24% more drugs this fiscal year through March (i.e., the first half of FY 2026) than it seized during the same period of FY 2024, and CBP seized 19% more drugs this fiscal year than it seized on average during the last four years in this same period.

Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found on the Drug Seizure Statistics webpage.

Trade and Tariff Enforcement

CBP plays a central role in enforcing U.S. trade law and supporting economic security.

• $323 billion in imports processed in March 2026.
• $24 billion in duties identified for collection.

Protecting Consumers and Supply Chains

CBP continues to safeguard the American economy by targeting forced labor and counterfeit goods.

• In March, CBP stopped 304 shipments valued at more than $12 million for potential forced labor violations.
• CBP seized 2,776 shipments containing counterfeit goods valued at over $1.1 billion.

Agriculture stats/seizures – securing American agriculture

In March, CBP agriculture specialists helped protect America’s agriculture, natural resources, and economic prosperity.

• CBP issued 7,722 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States.

CBP conducted 106,103 positive passenger inspections and issued 761 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.