Image Credit: Jan Sonnenmair / Contributor / Getty Images 
December 2025 was the eighth consecutive month without a single illegal border crosser being released into the US, in another clear sign of the dramatic effects of President Trump’s new immigration policies.
The overall collapse in illegal crossings was hailed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem in a post on X.
“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,” she wrote.
“What President Trump and our CBP agents and officers have been able to do in a single year is nothing short of extraordinary. Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the 8th straight month of zero releases. Month after month, we are delivering results that were once thought impossible: the most secure border in history and unmatched enforcement successes.”
In a press release, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided detailed figures for the “historically low” levels of border encounters.
According to the press release, “CBP recorded its lowest encounter totals ever to start a fiscal year.”
This included “91,603 total encounters nationwide in October, November, December—lower than any prior fiscal year to date. This is 25% lower than the previous low of 121,469 in FY2012.”
The release also notes that, “US Border Patrol recorded the lowest number of apprehensions along the southwest border ever in the first quarter of a fiscal year (21,815 in FY2026), which was 95% lower than the first quarter average under the Biden administration.”
In December 2025, there were 30,698 total encounters nationwide: 92% lower than the highest figure during the Biden administration (370,883) and the lower number of encounters ever for a month of December. There were also zero parole releases, compared to 7,401 along the southern border in December 2024.
“Our agents and officers have set a new standard for border security, achieving historic results that speak for themselves,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott.
“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.”
