By Ethan Faverino |
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Protection (CBP) announced that border security metrics have reached new highs in effectiveness, marked by declining encounters, zero releases of apprehended individuals, surging drug seizures, dramatic reductions in Arizona crossings, and major investments in advanced border infrastructure.
Preliminary CBP data for November 2025 showed total nationwide encounters dropping to 30,367—lower than October’s historic low of 30,573—and marked the seventh consecutive month of zero releases into the United States. Every individual that was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) was processed according to law, a milestone described as unmatched in modern border history.
“Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the 7th 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,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than ever before.”
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott added, “Our focus is unwavering: secure the border, enforce the law, and protect this nation. These numbers reflect the tireless efforts of our agents and officers who are delivering results that redefine border security. We’re not slowing down. We’re setting the pace for the future.”
Key highlights from the data include:
- The lowest start to any fiscal year on record, with only 60,940 total nationwide encounters in October and November—28% below the previous low of 84,293 in FY2012.
- From January 21 through November, total enforcement encounters along the southwest border stood at 117,105—37% less than the Biden administration’s monthly average of 185,625.
- USBP nationwide apprehensions have averaged under 10,000 per month since President Trump took office.
- Southwest border daily average apprehensions fell to 245 per day—a 95% reduction from the prior administration’s average of 5,110 per day.
Drug interdiction efforts also intensified, with nationwide seizures totaling 54,947 pounds in November—a 33% increase from October. Fentanyl seizures rose 59% to 1,543 pounds, methamphetamine seizures surged 118% to 21,935 pounds, and cocaine seizures increased 40% to 8,420 pounds.
In Arizona, illegal border crossings have plummeted under the current administration. FY2025 saw 63,813 apprehensions, a fraction of the prior years’ totals: 564,215 in FY24, 576,901 in FY23, and 571,720 in FY22.
This represents an approximate reduction of 92% from illegal entries and gotaways during the Biden administration, with FY25 apprehensions 66% lower than those in the Biden era.
To further fortify these gains, DHS and CBP announced five new contracts totaling $3.3 billion for “Smart Wall” construction in Texas and Arizona, bringing the total Smart Wall contracts to $8 billion.
The contracts, issued in November and December 2025, will add 97 miles of primary border wall, 19 miles of secondary wall, 66 miles of waterborne barrier system, and extensive detection technology (including 149 miles in areas with existing barriers).
The Tucson 2 Wall Project will construct approximately 19 miles of primary and secondary wall plus 136 miles of detection technology in Arizona’s Tucson sector.
“Securing our border is key to protecting our country, keeping our communities safe, and making sure our immigration system works the way it should, said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “A border wall with the right technology—a Smart Wall—is an important tool to stop illegal activity and to help agents do their job, which is critical in keeping America safe.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
