The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Friday that Border Patrol recorded its 12th consecutive month of no migrant releases at the U.S.-Mexico border, citing what officials described as historically low levels of crossings and apprehensions.
In a statement, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin credited the policy approach of President Donald Trump, saying the administration has ended “catch and release” practices and is enforcing immigration laws. CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott also pointed to a sharp decline compared with previous years, including April 2024, when tens of thousands of migrants were released.
According to DHS data, Border Patrol recorded 8,943 apprehensions along the southwest border in April, a 94% drop from the monthly average during the Biden administration and 96% below the peak in December 2023. Officials said average daily apprehensions in April were 298, also down 94% from prior levels.
Total encounters for the current fiscal year through April were 215,876, which DHS said is 13% lower than encounters recorded in April 2024 alone. The agency added that apprehension levels so far this fiscal year are below the monthly averages recorded over the past three decades.
CBP also reported increases in drug seizures. In April, combined seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana rose 60% compared with April 2024. The agency said it seized 463 pounds of fentanyl during the month. Overall drug seizures for the fiscal year to date are up 61% compared with the same period in fiscal year 2024, according to CBP.
On trade enforcement, CBP said it processed $312 billion in imports in April and identified $21.6 billion in duties for collection.
The agency also reported actions targeting forced labor and counterfeit goods, including stopping 263 shipments valued at more than $810 million and seizing nearly 3 million counterfeit items valued at more than $1.5 billion.
In agricultural enforcement, CBP said it issued 7,181 emergency action notifications for prohibited or restricted plant and animal products and conducted more than 105,000 passenger inspections, issuing 690 penalties or violations.
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.
