Department of Homeland Security Reports No Releases at Southern Border
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that for the past 16 months, there have been zero releases at the Southern Border during President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Sixteen straight months of zero releases at the border proves that President Trump’s policies are working,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Catch and release is over, consequences are back, and illegal crossings have fallen to historic lows. President Trump made a promise to the American people that he would make America safe again, and he has done just that by giving us the most secure border in American history.”
The DHS highlighted a significant decline in border apprehensions, reporting a 94% drop from the previous administration. There were 8,870 apprehensions along the Southwest Border in August, which is a 5% decrease from July. Overall, apprehensions along the total border were down 3% compared to the previous month, totaling 10,939.
When compared to the Biden administration’s monthly averages, recent Border Patrol apprehensions are 94% lower and 97% below the peak figures from December 2023.
Interestingly, while no illegal immigrants were released in August this year, the Biden administration had released 10,186 individuals at the southwest border in August 2024.
“Border security starts with knowing who and what is entering our country – and controlling it on behalf of the American people,” stated Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott. “That means people who cross illegally are apprehended, detained, and removed – not released into the United States. Our agents are enforcing that standard every day.”
The DHS also pointed out its successes in drug seizures, reporting:
- A 73% increase in drug seizures for this fiscal year compared to the same timeframe under the Biden administration;
- Drug seizures this fiscal year are 61% higher than the average of the last four fiscal years;
- A 28% rise in cocaine seizures in August 2026, totaling 6,724 pounds;
- 773 pounds of fentanyl seized in August 2026;
- Over 120,000 pounds of precursor chemicals for illicit drug production seized by CBP and ICE in August 2026.
