In April, the average number of migrants apprehended at the southern border each day was significantly lower compared to the influx seen during each hour in December 2023. This period was characterized by a surge in undocumented entries under former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, which many considered lenient. Recent data highlights this shift.
This dramatic change coincides with the Trump administration’s achievement of 12 consecutive months without releasing any undocumented individuals at the US border. This marks a return to border control levels reminiscent of the early 1990s.
“For twelve months straight, we have achieved no releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s direction, we’re establishing the most secure border in American history,” announced Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
“The era of catch and release has ended. We’re upholding the nation’s laws and ensuring that illegal entrants are returned to their countries of origin,” he added.
This striking contrast underscores the shift from the Biden administration’s approach, when millions entered the US with minimal restrictions, to the current stringent measures. During the previous administration, under the oversight of former border czar Kamala Harris, unchecked migration was a significant challenge.
In April, the Department of Homeland Security reported an average of 298 daily border apprehensions, a stark contrast to the 336 individuals apprehended every hour in December 2023. This data reflects a significant decrease in border crossings.
Apprehensions at the border last month under the Trump administration — which has prioritized a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration — are down 94% from Biden administration peak levels.
“What a difference, America! 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,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.
“Every minute of every day President Trump’s border security policies are making every American safer.”
Fiscal year to date, total US border patrol apprehensions along the southern border have slid to the lowest monthly average since 1992, according to DHS.
The sharply declining numbers of illegal border crossings were coupled with a massive surge in drug seizures.
“The sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions—now at levels not seen in over three decades—shows the impact of robust enforcement policies,” DHS said in a statement.
“With daily apprehensions down 95% from the previous administration and 15 consecutive months of fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions, the border remains more secure than at any point in history.”
Nationwide in April, CBP seized 60% more cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and fentanyl compared to April 2024. Heroin seizures spiked 73% compared with March 2026, and methamphetamine seizures rose 63%.
The agency also seized 463 pounds of fentanyl in April alone.
