In a significant development for U.S. border enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the U.S. Border Patrol recorded zero releases of illegal aliens into the interior of the United States for the thirteenth straight month. This data covers statistics through May 2026 and is indicative of a broader trend of historically low activity at the southwest border.
Officials have highlighted this achievement as part of ongoing efforts to maintain border security, stating that all individuals apprehended are being processed in accordance with applicable laws. This approach contravenes previous trends where many were released pending further legal proceedings.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin noted, “Thirteen straight months of zero releases at the border. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history. The days of catch and release are over.” He emphasized the commitment to enforcing national laws and facilitating the swift removal of illegal aliens from the country, aiming to enhance national safety and sovereignty.
Significant Reduction in Apprehensions
In May 2026, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended a total of 9,998 individuals along the southwest border. This figure represents a remarkable 94% reduction compared to the average monthly apprehensions during the prior administration. The number is also 96% lower than the peak monthly figures recorded in previous years. Notably, May’s apprehensions were less than the total apprehensions recorded over three days in May 2024.
The daily average of 323 apprehensions during this period is likewise 94% below the prior administration’s average and was lower than the hourly rates witnessed at peak times. Fiscal year-to-date data through May 2026 shows southwest border apprehensions at levels 26% lower than the historic monthly averages from fiscal years 1992 to 2024.
Comparison with Previous Administrations
The current trend contrasts sharply with the situation during the Biden Administration, which saw substantially higher volumes of both encounters and releases at the border. Data from peak months previously indicated more than 200,000 apprehensions, with tens of thousands being released into the interior each month, including up to 90,000 releases in notable periods like April 2024.
In comparison, recent months have shown apprehension totals consistently ranging between approximately 6,000 to under 10,000. These figures represent a dramatic shift towards more stringent border enforcement measures.
Drug Seizures on the Rise
Alongside enforcement outcomes, May 2026 data reflected increased drug seizures at the border. Nationwide, seizures of various illegal substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana rose by 32% by weight compared to May 2024. Particularly notable was the 72% increase in fentanyl seizures, which reached 795 pounds. In terms of marijuana, average monthly seizures were reported at 37,033 pounds over the previous four months.
Overall, drug seizures fiscal year-to-date through May 2026 were up 56% compared to the same timeframe in fiscal year 2024, indicating a substantial increase in enforcement effectiveness.
The ongoing success in reducing illegal border crossings, coupled with rising drug seizure rates, has been framed by officials as a testament to a strategic enforcement approach supported by current leadership. This accomplishment reflects a focus on increasing national security and operational efficiency at the border.