Border

Illegal border crossings stayed near historic lows in the latest monthly data released by Customs and Border Protection, even as agents reported a sharp increase in drug seizures — a combination officials say reflects both a secured border and stepped-up enforcement against cartel trafficking networks. CBP data show 31,626 illegal border crossers were apprehended nationwide last month, up slightly from the prior year but down by more than 173,000 compared to the same month in 2024, before the current enforcement posture took hold. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott credited the numbers to sustained policy enforcement. “Leadership and policy matter,” Scott said. “When laws are enforced, fewer people will break the law.” Zero Releases, Rising Drug Seizures The Department of Homeland Security also touted a 14th consecutive month of zero releases of illegal border crossers into the interior at the southwest border. At the same time, agents say they’re seeing more contraband as smuggling networks adapt. CBP seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana combined increased 49% compared to the year before, and are up 57% for the fiscal year to date. Not Without Scrutiny The picture isn’t entirely uniform. Watchdog groups note that a small number of unaccompanied minors continue to be released into the country each month despite the administration’s “zero releases” framing, and northern border crossings have ticked up modestly compared to earlier in the year, though they remain far below levels seen during the previous administration. Supporters of the administration’s approach argue the broader trend line — a border security posture that has produced the lowest sustained crossing numbers in CBP’s recorded history — speaks for itself, even as critics continue to press for more transparency around enforcement statistics and the treatment of migrant families still making their way through the system. This story is developing.