U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported zero releases by the U.S. Border Patrol for the eighth consecutive month, according to operational statistics released January 16 covering December 2025 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2026.
CBP defines “zero releases” as no individuals apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol being released into the interior of the United States during the reporting period.
According to CBP, there were 91,603 total encounters nationwide between October and December 2025, the lowest total ever recorded at the start of a fiscal year and 25% lower than the previous record low of 121,469 set in fiscal year 2012.
Along the southwest border, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 21,815 apprehensions during the first quarter of FY2026. CBP said this figure was 95% lower than the first-quarter average recorded under the Biden administration.
“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than any time in our nation’s history,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the 8th straight month of zero releases.”
Illegal Crossings In December
CBP said illegal crossings in December remained historically low, reporting 30,698 total encounters nationwide, the lowest number ever recorded for a month of December.
The agency said the December total was 92% below the peak of the Biden administration, when encounters reached 370,883.
On the southwest border, Border Patrol agents recorded 6,478 apprehensions in December. CBP said this figure was 96% lower than the monthly average recorded under the Biden administration and less than the number apprehended during four days in December 2024.
CBP also reported an average of 209 apprehensions per day along the southwest border during December.
The agency reported zero parole releases during the month. In December 2024, Border Patrol recorded 7,041 releases, according to CBP data.
“Our agents and officers have set a new standard for border security, achieving historic results that speak for themselves,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a statement. “The men and women of CBP are demonstrating what’s possible through unwavering commitment and effective enforcement and will continue to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s borders every single day.”
Drug Seizures
Nationwide in December, CBP reported seizing 39,030 pounds of illicit drugs, including:
- 865 pounds of fentanyl
- 12,833 pounds of methamphetamine
- 3,793 pounds of cocaine
- 164 pounds of heroin
- 14,445 pounds of marijuana
Trade And Tariff Enforcement
CBP also reported trade enforcement activity during December, processing $314 billion in imports and identifying $28.4 billion in duties owed.
From January 20 through December 31, CBP reported collecting $297 billion in tariffs, taxes, and fees while enforcing presidential trade and tariff directives.
Additional monthly statistics are available through CBP’s public reporting portals.
The DX Brief
- Border Patrol recorded zero releases for the eighth consecutive month, according to CBP
- 91,603 total encounters were recorded nationwide during the first quarter of FY2026, the lowest on record
- CBP said illegal crossings in December remained historically low, with 30,698 total encounters
- Southwest border apprehensions totaled 6,478 in December, with zero parole releases
- CBP seized 39,030 pounds of illicit drugs nationwide during the month
- The agency processed $314 billion in imports and identified $28.4 billion in duties owed