The Department of Homeland Security said border apprehensions in May remained at levels it described as historically low, and released figures on drug seizures, trade, and agriculture enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the agency has recorded 13 consecutive months of what it called zero releases at the border, which the agency said reflects a continued decline in illegal crossings.
According to CBP, Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border in May totaled 9,998, with a daily average of 323. The agency described those figures as historically low and said they represent a sharp decline from levels recorded under the previous administration. CBP did not define precisely what counts as a “release” in the announcement.
“Thirteen straight months of zero releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement, adding that the agency is enforcing immigration laws and quickly returning people to their home countries.
CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott said the figures, along with low crossing numbers, demonstrate the agency’s enforcement approach in border security, drug interdiction, and trade.
Drug, Trade, and Agriculture Figures
CBP also released a snapshot of May enforcement statistics. According to the agency, combined nationwide seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana by weight rose 32% compared with May 2024, and it seized 795 pounds of fentanyl in May. The agency said it has seized 56% more drugs this fiscal year through May than in the same period a year earlier.
On trade, CBP said it processed $321 billion in imports in May and identified $23 billion in duties for collection. The agency said it stopped 247 shipments valued at more than $44 million over potential forced-labor violations and seized about 2 million counterfeit goods valued at over $400 million.
On agriculture, CBP said its specialists issued 6,018 emergency action notifications for restricted or prohibited plant and animal products and issued 840 penalties or violations to travelers who failed to declare prohibited agricultural items.
CBP said full monthly reporting is available on its Stats and Summaries webpage.
