According to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) figures, August saw 34,428 illegal border encounters nationwide, a modest increase from July’s 33,788 but still dramatically lower than the 158,893 apprehensions recorded in August 2023 and the 304,073 in August 2024 under the previous administration.
Numbers show a clear downward trend
The majority of August apprehensions occurred at the southwest border (12,242), down from 12,730 in July. The northern border saw 6,087 encounters, also down from 6,591 the month before. Single adults continue to make up the largest share of those detained, with 316,486 single‑adult apprehensions recorded so far this fiscal year—down sharply from more than two million in fiscal 2023.
Family units and unaccompanied alien children (UAC) are also declining. This year there have been 22,405 family‑unit apprehensions, a steep drop from 993,947 the prior fiscal year, and only 1,627 accompanied minors, compared with 137,992 in fiscal 2023. UAC apprehensions stand at 8,348 for the year, far below the 137,992 recorded in fiscal 2023.
Administration credits policy for the gains
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised the results, stating, “Sixteen straight months of zero releases at the border proves that President Trump’s policies are working. Catch and release is over, consequences are back, and illegal crossings have fallen to historic lows. President Trump made a promise to the American people that he would make America safe again, and he has done just that by giving us the most secure border in American history.” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott added that border security begins with knowing who and what enters the country and that agents are consistently enforcing the standard of apprehending, detaining, and removing illegal entrants.
Drug seizures rise as enforcement intensifies
While illegal crossings have declined, CBP reports a sharp increase in drug interdiction. Seizures this fiscal year are 73% higher than the same period in fiscal 2024 and 61% above the four‑year average. Cocaine seizures rose 28%, with 6,724 pounds seized in August alone. Fentanyl remains a concern, with 773 pounds confiscated, and more than 120,000 pounds of precursor chemicals were seized in the same month.
These enforcement gains reflect the Trump administration’s commitment to a strong, law‑abiding border and a safer nation.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
