The Trump administration said Thursday that it reached another major milestone in its immigration enforcement, reporting 15 consecutive months without releasing illegal immigrants into the United States following apprehensions at the border.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously reported 14 consecutive months without border releases in July.
The administration emphasized that illegal immigrants apprehended by Border Patrol are not released into the country while their immigration cases proceed, unlike the catch-and-release model under the previous administration.
“With the support of President Trump and Secretary Mullin, CBP is securing our nation against illegal crossings, dangerous individuals, and illicit drugs while keeping lawful trade and travel moving. These results show what is possible when border security is treated as a national priority,” Scott added.
CBP said that Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border remained at historically low levels in July.
It added that apprehensions are 94 percent lower than the average during the Biden administration, and the lowest seen in roughly three decades.
The latest figures published Thursday showed Border Patrol recorded 9,295 apprehensions along the southwest border in July, marking a six percent decline from June. Nationwide, Border Patrol recorded 11,298 apprehensions, down one percent from the previous month.
The Trump administration attributes the continued decline to its aggressive enforcement policies, including expanded detention and removal efforts and measures intended to discourage migrants from attempting to cross illegally.
“DHS remains focused on enforcing our immigration laws, securing the border, and ensuring those who enter our country illegally are removed swiftly,” he added.
CBP also outlined an increase in seizures of various illegal drugs. Nationwide in July, seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana increased 26 percent from July 2024.
President Donald Trump in his second term in office launched a nationwide crackdown to combat illegal immigration, an aggressive campaign that the president said was necessary to protect national security.
Supporters believe that the previous immigration system was broken and that it encouraged illegal entry, weakened border security, and placed financial burdens on Americans. Critics, meanwhile, have argued that Trump’s aggressive approach is overly broad and that the administration’s targeted enforcement operations are unconstitutional and that certain individuals had been targeted without due process.
