Illegal border crossings fell to another historic low under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, according to new data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The latest figures show that in June, Border Patrol recorded the lowest number of migrant encounters in decades.
CBP reports steep decline in monthly apprehensions
Data released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showed that Border Patrol agents apprehended just 6,070 migrants between ports of entry along the southwestern border in June. That represents a sharp drop from 83,536 encounters during the same month in 2024.
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The new monthly low surpasses the previous record set in March, when the agency reported 7,181 illegal crossings. That figure had already marked a steep year-over-year decline from 137,480 in March 2024.
The figures released by DHS are considered preliminary; official data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection is expected later this month.
Single-day low recorded; no migrant releases in June
On June 28, the agency reported just 137 migrant encounters across the entire southern border — the lowest single-day total on record. Nationwide illegal immigration encounters, including encounters at the northern border, were also the lowest on record in June.
Officials also confirmed that no migrants apprehended by Border Patrol in June were released into the United States.
Trump highlighted that during a press conference in Florida following a tour of a newly opened migrant detention facility.
“The number of illegal aliens into the United States was zero. Zero. Even I find that hard to believe. Somebody must have gotten in, I think, but I don’t know — they say zero,” Trump said.
Aggressive policy changes mark Trump’s second term
Immigration has been a top policy priority for Trump since returning to office. His administration has moved swiftly to reverse programs enacted under the previous administration.
Among the early changes was the elimination of the CBP One app, a mobile platform that enabled migrants to apply for asylum and enter the country legally.
Deportation operations under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased, and Trump issued 10 executive orders on immigration during his first day in office. Some of those orders suspended refugee admissions and asylum processing for individuals crossing into the U.S. without authorization.
Court blocks asylum suspension, legal fight underway
The administration’s pause on asylum claims may be contributing to the dramatic decline in border crossings, but its legal standing is in question.
On Wednesday, July 2, a federal judge ruled that the policy exceeded executive authority and temporarily blocked its enforcement.
The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision, though it remains unclear what immediate effect the ruling may have on border crossings.
