U.S. Border Apprehensions Drop 95% Under Trump Administration
DHS reports historic drop in border crossings and apprehensions under Trump, with no releases in 17 months.
2 min read
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have reported a historic decline in southwest border apprehensions, marking the lowest annual encounters in American history. Preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 data reveals a 95% drop in apprehensions compared to the previous administration of former President Joe Biden.
Border Security Achievements
September marked the 17th consecutive month with zero releases, according to a DHS press release. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized that the data proves President Trump’s commitment to securing the border. He stated, ‘The results could not be clearer: strong enforcement works.’
CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott added, ‘FY 2026 demonstrated what focused enforcement, strong partnerships, and the commitment of our frontline personnel can achieve.’ The agencies have successfully reduced illegal immigration numbers to fewer than 99,000 apprehensions, a stark contrast to over 1.8 million under Biden.
Drug Seizures and Medical Emergencies
Preliminary data also showed that CBP’s drug seizures in the last fiscal year totaled nearly 1 million pounds — 63% higher than the 600,000-pound annual average of the last four years. The department attributed this progress to its ‘cutting-edge nonintrusive inspection technology and intelligence-driven strategies.’
CBP’s Office of Field Operations responded to more than 3,000 medical emergencies during the 2026 fiscal year, including CPR on over 50 individuals in cardiac arrest and administering Naloxone for suspected opioid overdoses.
Border Infrastructure and Safety
The DHS also highlighted a 250-mile expansion of ‘new border barrier’ on the southwest border since January 2025, including primary and secondary barriers, waterborne barriers, and supporting technology. The department noted that reducing unlawful border crossings has contributed to a decline in border-related deaths, with illegal immigrant deaths identified by Border Patrol falling by nearly 80% since Trump’s second term began.
DHS stated, ‘Illegal aliens have received a clear message: don’t try to enter the country illegally, or you will be apprehended, detained, and deported.’
Source: OANN
