The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Friday that the United States has recorded 13 consecutive months of what the agencies described as “zero releases” of migrants at the southern border, crediting stricter enforcement policies under the Trump administration.
In a joint announcement, DHS said the milestone reflects a sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions, which officials say have dropped to levels not seen in more than three decades.
“Thirteen straight months of zero releases at the border,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement. “The days of catch and release are over.”
CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott said the figures demonstrate “historically low illegal crossings” and cited broader enforcement efforts, including drug interdiction and trade regulation.
According to CBP data for May, U.S. Border Patrol recorded 9,998 apprehensions along the southwest border, a 94% decrease compared with the monthly average during the Biden administration and 96% below peak levels. The daily average of 323 apprehensions in May was also down 94% from previous levels, the agency said.
So far in fiscal year 2026, total apprehensions are 26% lower than the average monthly totals recorded between fiscal years 1992 and 2024, CBP said.
The agencies also reported increases in drug seizures. Combined seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana rose 32% in May compared with the same month in 2024. Fentanyl seizures totaled 795 pounds in May, up 72% from April, according to CBP.
Marijuana seizures averaged 37,033 pounds per month over the past four months, a 61% increase compared with fiscal year 2024 averages, the agency said. Overall drug seizures so far this fiscal year are up 56% compared with the same period last year.
In addition to border enforcement, CBP said it processed $321 billion in imports in May and identified $23 billion in duties for collection.
The agency also reported stopping 247 shipments valued at more than $44 million for suspected forced labor violations and seizing about 2 million counterfeit goods worth over $400 million.
CBP agriculture specialists issued 6,018 emergency notifications for restricted or prohibited agricultural products and conducted more than 108,000 passenger inspections in May, issuing 840 penalties or violations.
The DHS announcement did not include independent verification of the figures or detail the methodology used to define “zero releases.”
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.
