The Trump administration released more data on illegal crossings at the border.
The Trump administration delivered five straight months of zero releases at the border, and nationwide crossings remain 93% lower than the peak under the Democratic Biden administration.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently released operational statistics for September 2025 under Republican President Donald Trump’s border security policies. The month caps off a historic fiscal year defined by restored control, empowered agents, and record-low crossings.
“The numbers tell the story – enforcement works,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “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.”
Illegal crossings in September remained historically low, and here is some of the data provided:
- 26,002 total encounters nationwide — 93% below the peak of the Joe Biden administration’s 370,883.
- 8,386 Border Patrol apprehensions on the southwest border — 95% lower than the monthly average of the Biden administration, and less than the number apprehended in five days in September 2024.
- 279 USBP apprehensions per day — 95% lower than the daily average under the Biden administration, and less than the number apprehended every two hours under the Biden administration.
- Zero parole releases — compared to 9,144 released by the Border Patrol under the Biden administration along the southwest border in September 2024.
- Visit for more encounter statistics.
As the nation’s border security agency, CBP is on the frontline against foreign terrorist organizations that threaten the safety and well-being of Americans by attempting to smuggle dangerous drugs into our country. CBP is uniquely positioned to detect, identify, and seize illicit drugs like fentanyl before they enter local communities. In September, CBP seized 644 pounds of fentanyl. Cocaine seizures increased 39% and heroin seizures increased 115% from August to September.
CBP is protecting the economic security of the United States by executing the President’s tariff policy. CBP has implemented 34 presidential tariff actions directed by the Trump administration. Through trade enforcement and revenue collection authorities, in September 2025 alone, CBPp rocessed $294 billion in imports and identified $32 billion in duties owed. From January 20th through September 30th, CBP collected $204 billion from all tariffs, taxes, and fees. Through audits, targeting, and frontline import reviews, CBP said it is enforcing trade law and safeguarding America’s economic sovereignty.
