Washington, Aug 2026 : The Trump administration has reported a 15th consecutive month without the release of undocumented migrants at the US border, attributing the development to stricter immigration enforcement, tighter border controls and historically low levels of illegal crossings.
According to data released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Border Patrol agents apprehended 9,295 people along the US-Mexico border in July, a decline of 6 per cent from June. Nationwide, Border Patrol apprehensions stood at 11,298, down 1 per cent from the previous month.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the latest figures demonstrated the impact of the administration's border security policies. He said the government remained focused on enforcing immigration laws, strengthening border security and ensuring that people entering the country illegally were removed swiftly.
The administration said July apprehensions along the southwest border were 94 per cent below the monthly average recorded during the Biden administration. The figure was also 96 per cent below the peak recorded in December 2023 and lower than the number of apprehensions recorded during just six days in July 2024.
The government further stated that total southwest border apprehensions during the current fiscal year through July were lower than the average number recorded in a single month across fiscal years 1992 through 2024.
CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott attributed the figures to clearer policies, stronger enforcement and the efforts of frontline personnel. He said the agency was working to prevent illegal crossings, intercept dangerous individuals and disrupt drug trafficking while ensuring that legitimate trade and travel continued smoothly.
Drug Seizures Rise
Alongside the decline in migrant apprehensions, CBP reported an increase in seizures of several illegal drugs. The combined nationwide quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and marijuana seized in July was 26 per cent higher than in July 2024.
For the period through July, CBP said it had seized 54 per cent more drugs than during the corresponding period of fiscal year 2024. Fentanyl seizures increased 3 per cent from June to 1,054 pounds, while heroin seizures rose 20 per cent to 79 pounds.
The figures come as the administration continues to place border security and immigration enforcement among its key domestic priorities.
Trade and Customs Enforcement
CBP also highlighted its broader role in regulating international commerce and preventing prohibited goods from entering the country.
During July, the agency processed approximately $342 billion in imports and identified $23 billion in duties for collection. It also stopped 300 shipments valued at more than $83 million over suspected forced-labour violations.
In intellectual property enforcement, CBP reported the seizure of approximately 2.9 million counterfeit goods with an estimated value exceeding $2 billion.
Agriculture specialists also carried out extensive inspections to prevent prohibited plants, animals and agricultural products from entering the United States. During the month, officials issued 6,554 emergency notifications involving restricted or prohibited agricultural commodities, conducted 114,147 positive passenger inspections and issued 704 civil penalties or violations related to undeclared prohibited agricultural items.
The administration said the latest figures demonstrate the broader impact of intensified enforcement at the border while maintaining lawful international trade and travel.
