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4. Tenth Straight Month of Zero Illegal Aliens Released at the Border

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Tenth Straight Month of Zero Illegal Aliens Released at the Border

Release Date: March 19, 2026
February drug seizures were the most in over 4 years

WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced its tenth consecutive month of zero releases at the border, continuing its trend of historically low border crossings. February data also showed that CBP recorded its highest single month of drug seizures since October 2021.

“Ten straight months of ZERO illegal aliens released at the border. President Trump promised to secure the Border, and that is a promise we delivered,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. “We have the most secure border in American history. Our borders are CLOSED to lawbreakers.”

“February marks the tenth straight month that U.S. Border Patrol has not released a single illegal alien into the interior of the United States — a clear reflection of the enforcement-first posture restoring integrity to our nation’s borders,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “While threats to our national and economic security continue to evolve, so does our resolve to meet them, as we carry out our mission of protecting the homeland while facilitating lawful travel and trade.”

The sustained decline in illegal border crossings and apprehensions—now at levels not seen in over three decades—shows the impact of robust enforcement policies. With daily apprehensions down 95% from the previous administration and 13 consecutive months of fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions, the border remains more secure than at any point in history.

Border Enforcement at Historic Levels

• CBP’s total encounters declined in February
  • Nationwide, CBP’s encounters (26,963) were 22% lower than last month and 88% below the monthly average of the Biden administration.
• CBP’s total encounters this fiscal year to date are lower than February 2024
  • This fiscal year’s encounters (153,155) are 40% lower than in the month of February 2024 alone.
• Southwest border apprehensions were 97% lower than under Biden
  • The U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions along the southwest border in February (6,603) were 92% lower than the monthly average over the last 33 years and 97% below the peak of the Biden administration (December 2023).
  • 13 th consecutive month of fewer than 9,000 southwest border apprehensions.
• Daily average apprehensions in February were 95% lower than under Biden
  • The U.S. Border Patrol’s average number of apprehensions per day along the southwest border (236) were 95% lower than the daily average under the Biden administration.
  • The number of U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions per day in February was less than a single hour during the height of the Biden administration (336 per hour in December 2023).
  • Marijuana seizures increased 129%
  • Fentanyl seizures increased 67%
  • Methamphetamine seizures increased 46%
  • Cocaine seizures increased 39%
  • Heroin seizures increased 10% Drug Interdictions that Save Lives

CBP remains on the frontline against drug smuggling, seizing dangerous narcotics before they reach American communities.

In February, CBP recorded its highest single month of drug seizures nationwide (79,609 pounds) since October 2021, an 84% increase from last month.

Compared to January 2026:

Trade and Tariff Enforcement

CBP plays a central role in enforcing U.S. trade law and supporting economic security.

• $262 billion in imports processed in February 2026.
• $26 billion in duties identified for collection. Protecting Consumers and Supply Chains

CBP continues to safeguard the American economy by targeting forced labor and counterfeit goods.

• In February, CBP stopped 266 shipments valued at more than $11 million for potential forced labor violations.
• CBP seized 443 shipments containing counterfeit goods valued at over $580million. Securing American agriculture

CBP agriculture specialists protect U.S. agriculture and natural resources.

• 6,533 emergency action notifications issued for restricted/prohibited plant and animal products.

• 89,688 positive passenger inspections and 536 civil penalties issued for undeclared prohibited agriculture items.
  For more detailed statistics, visit CBP’s Stats and Summaries webpage.

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• Border Security

• Homeland Security Enterprise

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• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

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  Last Updated: 03/19/2026 Was this page helpful? Yes No Back to Top