Southern border apprehensions plunge more than 90% from year ago in April, CBP says
Context:
Apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border have seen a dramatic 93% decrease under President Donald Trump's administration, as reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In April, the daily average of apprehensions dropped significantly to 279, compared to 4,297 in April 2024, with a total of 8,383 apprehensions this year. Additionally, only five illegal immigrants were temporarily released into the U.S. in April, a stark contrast to 68,000 in the same month last year. The CBP has credited this improvement to increased manpower and a shift in security posture, allowing more agents to patrol previously understaffed areas. Despite the drop in illegal crossings, drug seizures, particularly fentanyl, have increased by 15% from March to April, with 758 pounds seized in April alone.
Dive Deeper:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported a 93% decrease in border apprehensions under President Trump's administration, with the average daily apprehensions in April dropping to 279 from 4,297 in April 2024.
The total number of apprehensions in April 2025 was 8,383, compared to 129,000 in April 2024, showcasing a significant reduction in illegal crossings.
In a notable change, only five illegal immigrants were temporarily released into the U.S. during April, compared to 68,000 the previous year, reflecting a stricter enforcement policy.
CBP officials have attributed the reduction in illegal crossings to a strategic increase in manpower and a shift in security posture, allowing more agents to patrol areas that were previously understaffed.
Despite the decrease in illegal crossings, the seizure of drugs, particularly fentanyl, has risen by 15% from March to April, with a total of 758 pounds confiscated at the border in April.
The Trump administration's efforts have led to the lowest southwest border crossings in history, with fewer apprehensions in March than in the first two days of March 2024 under the Biden administration.
The CBP emphasizes that the message of strict deportation policies has been clearly communicated, as indicated by the significant drop in illegal immigration since President Biden left office.