Photo: Alamy
U.S. Border Patrol agents did not release any migrants into the country in May, marking a dramatic shift from the 64,000 illegal border crossers allowed entry during the same month last year under the Biden administration, according to internal federal data obtained by The New York Post.
Agents encountered 8,725 individuals attempting to cross the southern border illegally in May, a 93 percent decline from the 117,905 apprehended in May 2024, according to the figures.
Acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Pete Flores attributed the sharp decrease to President Donald Trump’s reinstated border enforcement measures.
“Under the leadership of this administration, CBP has received historic support resulting in another 93% decrease in illegal crossings along the southwest border this month when compared with last year,” Flores said in a statement shared with The Post.
One of the most significant changes under Trump’s renewed border strategy has been the end of the Biden-era catch-and-release policy, which had allowed large numbers of migrants to remain in the U.S. while awaiting court proceedings.
The Trump administration’s approach has focused on stricter enforcement, expedited removals and enhanced cooperation with partners to stem the flow of illegal immigration.
The news comes just one month after fewer than 10,000 illegal crossings occurred at the southern border in April.
“The Biden Administration refused to enforce our nation’s laws when it came to border security. This allowed millions of illegal aliens – including criminals, gang members, and terrorists – into our country,” the Department of Homeland Security said in a press release to mark Trump’s first 100 days in office.
“But in just 100 days, President Trump and Secretary Noem have not only closed our border but have delivered the most secure border in American history,” it continued.
In March, the U.S. recorded the lowest monthly number of border encounters in history, with fewer than 7,200 incidents. The previous month, February, also saw a record low in daily encounters, dropping below 200, according to the press release.
Arrests and deportations of illegal immigrants have also surged under the new administration. In its first 100 days, the Trump Administration arrested more than 151,000 illegal aliens and deported over 135,000.
