Border Crossings Reach 55-Year Low in Fiscal Year 2025

Illegal crossings along the US-Mexico border dropped to their lowest point in over five decades during fiscal year 2025, with most unauthorized entries happening in the closing months of the current administration.

According to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), border agents apprehended a total of 237,565 migrants between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. This marks the lowest yearly total since 1970, when approximately 201,780 migrants were caught attempting to cross the border.

A border wall adjacent to a canal — The number of illegal border crossings in fiscal year 2025 was the lowest in 55 years, according to DHS.

This figure represents an 87% decrease compared to the average apprehensions over the previous four fiscal years, which totaled around 1.86 million annually.

Border Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the achievement, stating, “We have had the most secure border in American history, as evidenced by our record-low numbers.” She credited policies under President Trump, emphasizing the support provided to law enforcement, which she said contributed to these results.

The majority of apprehensions—about 72%—occurred during the last three months of Biden’s presidency, with 172,026 individuals caught during this period. The remaining 27% happened under the Trump administration, with 65,539 apprehended over the remaining days of the fiscal year.

Border Patrol agents patrolling the US-Mexico border — Trump has deployed numerous resources, including troops, to the southern border since taking office.

In September, border apprehensions totaled approximately 8,400, slightly increasing from August’s 6,300, but still well below the July low of 4,600. Notably, DHS reported that no migrants were released into the country during September, marking the fifth consecutive month of zero releases.

Compared to September 2024, when about 9,144 migrants were released, the current months reflect stricter enforcement measures. Former President Trump acted swiftly after assuming office, deploying thousands of troops and overhauling immigration policies to curb illegal crossings. Additionally, ICE is on track to deport around 600,000 migrants this year, with more than two million leaving voluntarily since January, DHS reports.