The Trump administration has set a new record in border enforcement as efforts to tackle illegal immigration seem to be yielding results.
In June, the total number of illegal crossings dropped to the lowest level ever recorded in the U.S., as reported by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Alongside this decline, immigration officers are experiencing unprecedented lows in both stress and releases on parole. They are increasing their focus on illegal drug trafficking, which has correspondingly led to an uptick in drug seizures.
“From closing illegal crossings to enforcing large tariffs and ensuring fentanyl seizures, CBP has made significant strides,” said Rodney Scott, a member of the CBP committee, in an official statement.
“Under this administration, we are committed to safeguarding our country, and the numbers back that up,” Scott continued.
CBP reported just 25,228 encounters nationally in June, marking it as the lowest monthly total in their history.
The Border Patrol arrested a mere 8,024 individuals across the nation, reflecting another historic low; on June 28th alone, only 136 individuals were apprehended.
The agency indicated that migrant encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border decreased by 15% compared to figures from March, totaling 6,072 uncertainties in June.
In May, Border Patrol agents had released zero illegal immigrants into the country, and the CBP confirmed that trend continued, with no parolees released in June.
In contrast, data shows that 62,000 immigrants were released along the U.S.-Mexico border in May 2024, along with 27,766 under the Biden administration in June 2024.
Previously, the Trump administration hailed these achievements as “the fastest progress in American border security in history.”
In June alone, CBP seized 742 pounds of fentanyl, which reflects a 3% increase from May. Overall, the seizures of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana increased by 13% nationwide compared to the previous month.
The significant decline in illegal immigration starkly contrasts the situation during the Biden era, following several measures taken to address what was described as the worst border crisis in U.S. history and to improve border security tools over the last four years.
Since returning to office, President Trump has swiftly undertaken various enforcement actions and administrative reforms aimed at fortifying the southern border. This includes declaring a national emergency, prioritizing wall construction, and compelling the Mexican government to enhance law enforcement in the area.
