U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a continued decline in border crossings for November 2025, marking the lowest number of encounters ever recorded at the start of a fiscal year, according to preliminary data released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The agency said total encounters nationwide dropped to 30,367 in November, slightly below October’s 30,573. Combined, the October–November period saw 60,940 encounters — 28% lower than the previous record low of 84,293 set in fiscal year 2012.
DHS said this marks the seventh straight month during which the U.S. Border Patrol released no individuals into the country after apprehension, with all cases processed according to federal law. Officials described the milestone as unprecedented in modern border management.
“Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the seventh straight month of zero releases,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement, crediting the trend to coordinated enforcement operations under the current administration. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott added that the reductions reflect the “tireless efforts” of agents and officers and vowed continued focus on border enforcement.
Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, DHS says the nation has averaged fewer than 10,000 Border Patrol apprehensions per month — a figure it describes as historic in terms of deterrence. The agency’s preliminary data also shows daily average apprehensions along the southwest border at 245 per day in November, down from an average of more than 5,000 per day between February 2021 and December 2024.
In contrast to the decline in crossings, drug seizures increased significantly last month, with CBP reporting 54,947 pounds of narcotics seized nationwide — a 33% rise from October. Fentanyl seizures rose 59%, methamphetamine seizures increased 118%, and cocaine seizures climbed 40%, according to DHS.
Final figures for November are expected to be released in the coming weeks once data verification is complete, CBP said.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
