DHS reports 95% drop in arrests at southwest border in 2026
The Department of Homeland Security also reported that the fiscal year ended with the lowest number of border encounters ever recorded by the agency and no releases by the Border Patrol.
Soldiers at the border
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported this Friday on preliminary data for fiscal year 2026 showing a 95% drop in Border Patrol apprehensions at the southwest border, compared to levels recorded during the Joe Biden administration.
According to data released by DHS, the Border Patrol recorded 98,708 apprehensions at the southwest border during fiscal year 2026, compared to more than 1.8 million annually during the Biden administration.
The agency also noted that 2026 was the first fiscal year in the agency's history without any releases by the Border Patrol. September marked the 17th consecutive month with zero releases, according to DHS.
Preliminary data also puts the total number of encounters nationwide at 379,243 during fiscal year 2026, the lowest annual figure ever recorded by the agency. DHS noted that this number represents an 88% decrease from fiscal year 2023, which had recorded the highest number of encounters in a single fiscal year.
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Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin attributed the results to the policies implemented by President Donald Trump and the work of DHS and CBP agents and officials. CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, in turn, highlighted the role of border control measures and the personnel deployed along the border.
Fewer deaths and more rescue operations
DHS also reported a decrease in deaths identified by the Border Patrol. According to preliminary data, migrant deaths identified by the agency fell by nearly 80% during fiscal year 2026 and since January 20, 2025, compared to the period under the Biden administration.
Despite the reduction in crossings, CBP agents and officers continued to conduct search-and-rescue operations and provide medical assistance.
The CBP Field Operations Office responded to more than 3,000 medical emergencies during fiscal year 2026, performed CPR on more than 50 people in cardiac arrest, and administered naloxone in cases of suspected opioid overdose.
250 miles of new border barriers
Regarding infrastructure, CBP reported that it has completed 250 miles of new border barriers along the southwest border since January 20, 2025.
The agency also noted that, between September 2025 and September 2026, it committed $34.3 billion to projects for its so-called Smart Wall in the southwestern border states.
Nearly one million pounds of drugs seized
On the trade front, CBP reported that it blocked more than 4,000 shipments valued at over $325 million on suspicion of being linked to forced labor.
The agency also seized nearly 55.5 million counterfeit products, with an estimated value exceeding $12.6 billion. Among them were 476,903 items that infringed on intellectual property rights related to the FIFA World Cup, valued at more than $33 million.
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