The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today that the U.S. Border Patrol has achieved its twelfth consecutive month of zero releases at the border, marking a period of historically low border crossings under the Trump administration. This sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions has reached levels not seen in over three decades.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said, "Twelve straight months of ZERO releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history. The days of catch and release are over. We are enforcing the nation’s laws and sending illegal aliens back to their home countries." CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott added, "The U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into our country again this month, unlike April 2024 when more than 68,000 were released under President Biden.
April's figures show southwest border apprehensions were 94% lower than the monthly average of the Biden administration and 96% below its peak in December 2023. Total U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions this fiscal year through April were 37% lower than the monthly average from FYs 1992 through 2024. Daily average apprehensions in April were 298, a 94% decrease compared to the Biden administration's daily average.
CBP also reported significant drug interdictions, with nationwide seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana increasing 60% from April 2024. In April 2026, heroin seizures rose 73% from March 2026, and methamphetamine seizures increased 63%, with the agency seizing 463 pounds of fentanyl in April.
Beyond border security, CBP processed $312 billion in imports and identified $21.6 billion in duties for collection in April. The agency also safeguarded the economy by stopping 263 shipments valued over $810 million for potential forced labor violations and seizing 2,983,850 counterfeit goods worth over $1.5 billion. Additionally, CBP agriculture specialists issued 7,181 emergency action notifications for restricted plant and animal products.