In May 2024, the Biden administration allowed over 62,000 migrants who illegally crossed the border between ports of entry to enter the U.S. By contrast, under the Trump administration, the number dropped to zero one year later. During that same period, illegal border crossings decreased by nearly 93 percent compared to the previous year.
“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,” Pete Flores, Acting Commissioner of CBP, said in a written statement, per Breitbart News. “Border numbers continue to trend at historic lows, reinforcing the sustained success of our enforcement efforts in securing the homeland and protecting American communities.”
The May Southwest Land Border Encounters report from CBP confirmed an earlier report by Breitbart Texas, documenting the apprehension of just over 8,500 migrants who crossed the border illegally in May. Official figures show 8,725 migrants were arrested, marking a 93 percent decrease compared to the previous year, when agents encountered nearly 118,000 migrants, the outlet reported further.
Of the nearly 118,000 migrants apprehended in May 2024, the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policies resulted in more than 62,000 being released into the U.S. interior. In contrast, in May 2025, Border Patrol agents returned all 8,725 migrants encountered along the southwest border with Mexico, Breitbart noted.
“CBP is leveraging authorities to take every step to ensure illegal aliens are expediently removed from the country,” CBP officials said in the monthly update statement.
Continued historic lows with a 93% drop in illegal crossings last month — more boots on the ground, more focus. With the strong enforcement posture, our borders are not being flooded and our agents are able to combat the criminal networks affecting our communities.
See More:… pic.twitter.com/0yQlZylaaM
— Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) June 17, 2025
Between February—President Donald Trump’s first full month in office—and the end of May, Border Patrol agents apprehended 32,646 migrants. In contrast, during the same period last year, agents encountered 524,914 migrants, marking a nearly 94 percent decrease.
In May, the El Paso Sector accounted for nearly 25 percent (2,014) of the migrants apprehended, followed by the Tucson Sector (1,588), Rio Grande Valley Sector (1,439), and San Diego Sector (1,395). Every sector experienced significant declines compared to the previous year, with decreases ranging from 97.7 percent in the Yuma Sector to 68.4 percent in the Big Bend Sector.
Agents in the five Texas-based border sectors encountered 5,491 migrants in May, representing nearly 63 percent of all migrant apprehensions along the southwest border. This marks a significant decline from the 45,144 apprehensions recorded in May 2024, reflecting an 88 percent decrease, Breitbart added.
