EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a sharp decline in illegal border crossings for September 2025, marking what officials describe as a year of “restored control” and record-low encounters under President Donald Trump’s border security policies.
The agency reported a steep drop in encounters at the southwest border in September, with just 8,386 Border Patrol apprehensions recorded, a 95% decline from the monthly average under the Biden administration. In the same month, CBP reported 26,002 total encounters nationwide, compared to a high of 370,883.
According to CBP data released on Monday, October 27, nationwide crossings were 93% lower than the peak levels recorded during the Biden administration. The agency said the results reflect strengthened enforcement, empowered agents, and an overall shift toward tighter border controls.
“The numbers tell the story — enforcement works,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a statement. “We are delivering the most secure border in American history, thanks to the President’s leadership. Border crossings remain historically low, and those who do cross are being apprehended, detained, prosecuted, and swiftly removed.”
Daily averages showed a similar decline, with 279 apprehensions per day, compared to the Biden-era daily average that CBP said was 20 times higher. The agency also reported zero parole releases in September, compared to 9,144 releases in the same month of 2024.
CBP added it continues to target the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. In September, officers seized 644 pounds of fentanyl, while cocaine seizures rose 39% and heroin seizures jumped 115% from the previous month.
CBP credited its front-line interdiction operations and intelligence partnerships for the increase in drug seizures. “CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs like fentanyl before they enter our communities,” the agency said.
The agency also highlighted its economic enforcement role, noting that in September alone, CBP processed $294 billion in imports and identified $32 billion in duties owed. Since January 20, CBP has collected $204 billion in tariffs, taxes, and fees as part of 34 presidential tariff actions directed by the Trump administration.
CBP said the enforcement actions are part of efforts to “safeguard America’s economic sovereignty” through trade law compliance, audits, and import reviews.
Full monthly and fiscal year statistics on CBP’s Stats and Summaries
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