Key Takeaways
• Southwest Border Patrol apprehensions dropped to 6,070–6,072 in June 2025, a historic monthly low.
• Zero releases reported in May and June 2025, ending catch-and-release immigration practice.
• Congress allocated $25.5 billion in 2025 for border security and enforcement funding.
Southwest Border Patrol agents recorded the lowest number of apprehensions ever in June 2025, according to new data released July 17, 2025. This historic drop comes after a series of tough new policies, major funding increases, and operational changes under President Trump. The sharp decline marks a turning point in U.S. border enforcement and has wide effects for migrants, border communities, and the agencies involved.
Historic Lows in June 2025: The Numbers
The most recent statistics show that Southwest Border Patrol apprehensions in June 2025 fell to just 6,070–6,072. This is a 15% drop from March 2025 and the lowest monthly total ever recorded in U.S. history. On June 28, 2025, agents reported the lowest single-day apprehension total in at least 25 years, with only 136–137 people taken into custody. For comparison, in June 2024, more than 7,000 people were apprehended in just the first two days of the month.
Nationwide, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions reached only 8,039 in June 2025, breaking the previous record low set just a few months earlier. The number of “gotaways”—people who cross the border without being caught—also fell by 90% compared to June 2024. For the second month in a row, Border Patrol reported zero releases of apprehended migrants into the U.S. interior.
Official Reactions: Strong Praise from Federal Leaders
Top officials credit these results to new policies and stronger enforcement. Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said, “The numbers don’t lie—under President Trump’s leadership, DHS and CBP have shattered records and delivered the most secure border in American history. The world is hearing our message: the border is closed to law breakers. Under President Trump, our Border Patrol agents are empowered to do their job once again, secure our border and protect the American people.”
Pete Flores, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), highlighted a 93% decrease in illegal crossings in May 2025 compared to May 2024. He called this a sign of “sustained success” for current enforcement efforts.
What Changed? Key Policies and Funding
The record lows in Southwest Border Patrol apprehensions did not happen by accident. They are the result of a series of executive actions, new laws, and increased funding that began in early 2025.
Executive Orders and Policy Shifts
- January 20, 2025: On his first day back in office, President Trump signed several executive orders. These orders aimed to sharply limit access to the southern border and gave federal agencies more power to enforce immigration laws.
- Ending “catch-and-release”: Since May 2025, Border Patrol has reported zero releases of apprehended migrants into the U.S. interior. This means almost everyone caught is quickly sent back or removed.
- Expedited removals: Migrants caught between ports of entry are now processed and removed much faster. Only those who meet very strict asylum standards are allowed to stay.
- More cooperation with Mexico and other countries: The U.S. has continued and expanded efforts started under President Biden to work with Mexico and other regional partners. These efforts help manage migration flows and discourage people from trying to cross the border without permission.
Legislative and Funding Changes
Congress passed a major 2025 Reconciliation Bill that provided billions of dollars for border security:
- $10 billion for a State Border Security Reinforcement Fund, used for building barriers and supporting enforcement.
- $12 billion for states helping with border enforcement, with much of this money likely going to Texas for its Operation Lone Star.
- $3.5 billion for state and local governments to cover immigration enforcement costs.
Some parts of the bill faced legal and procedural challenges but were included after clarifications.
Asylum and Entry Restrictions
- Presidential Proclamation 10773 (June 5, 2024, amended September 27, 2024): This order temporarily suspended and limited entry for certain noncitizens at the southern border during periods of high encounters. It also made asylum much harder to get, with only a few exceptions for people facing “exceptionally compelling circumstances.”
- These restrictions remain in place as long as daily encounter averages stay above certain thresholds.
How These Changes Affect Migrants and Communities
For Migrants:
- Almost no releases: Nearly everyone apprehended is subject to expedited removal. This means they are quickly sent back to their home country or another country willing to accept them.
- Asylum is much harder to get: Only those who can show they face a very high risk of persecution or torture are considered for asylum.
- Deterrence effect: The sharp drop in apprehensions and gotaways suggests that many migrants are deciding not to attempt irregular crossings at all.
For States and Local Communities:
- More federal funding: Border states, especially Texas, are receiving large amounts of federal money to support enforcement and build infrastructure.
- Humanitarian programs paused: Funding for programs that help new arrivals has been paused or proposed for elimination.
For Border Agencies:
- Expanded authority and resources: Border Patrol and CBP now have more power and more resources, including support from the Department of Defense.
- New standard procedures: Rapid removal, zero releases, and increased patrols are now the standard way of operating.
Expert Views and Analysis
Migration Policy Institute: Experts note that these record lows continue a trend that began under President Biden, who increased cooperation with Mexico and made asylum harder to get. The Trump administration has made these measures even tougher. However, experts warn that policies focused only on deterrence have often led to short-term drops, with the risk of future surges if the root causes of migration are not addressed.
CBP and DHS: These agencies highlight their operational success, historic lows, and a secure border. They credit both policy changes and increased enforcement resources for the results.
Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?
- 2021–2024: The U.S. saw record highs in border encounters and apprehensions. This led to a series of executive and regulatory actions to try to manage the flow.
- Late 2024: The Biden administration’s proclamations and new rules began to sharply reduce irregular crossings. In December 2024, encounters were 81% lower than the previous year.
- 2025: The Trump administration’s policies have sped up and deepened these trends, leading to the lowest Southwest Border Patrol apprehensions ever recorded.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
Sustainability and Risks
While the current numbers are at historic lows, experts warn that it is not clear if these results can last. Past experience shows that if the root causes of migration—such as violence, poverty, and lack of opportunity in home countries—are not addressed, numbers can surge again if policies are relaxed or if legal challenges succeed.
Legal Challenges
Some of the new enforcement measures could face lawsuits. Courts may decide that some policies go too far or violate existing laws, which could force changes.
Debate Over Funding and State Authority
Congress is still debating the future of humanitarian funding and whether to give states even more power to enforce immigration laws.
Practical Guidance for Affected Groups
For Migrants and Families:
- Do not attempt irregular crossings: The risk of being quickly removed is now extremely high. Asylum is only available in very rare cases.
- Check official resources: For up-to-date information on border policies and asylum eligibility, visit the CBP Southwest Land Border Encounters Dashboard.
- Seek legal advice: If you believe you qualify for asylum or another form of protection, consult a qualified immigration attorney before making any decisions.
For Employers and Communities:
- Expect fewer new arrivals: With almost no releases into the interior, there will be fewer new migrants seeking work or services.
- Monitor funding changes: Local governments and service providers should watch for updates on federal funding for enforcement and humanitarian programs.
For Border Agencies and Law Enforcement:
- Follow new procedures: Rapid removal and zero releases are now standard. Agencies should ensure all staff are trained on the latest policies.
- Coordinate with partners: Increased cooperation with state, local, and international partners is key to maintaining current results.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
- Address: 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229
- Main Phone: 1-877-227-5511
- Website: cbp.gov
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
- Address: 245 Murray Lane SW, Washington, D.C. 20528
- Main Phone: 202-282-8000
- Website: dhs.gov
For the latest statistics and sector-by-sector breakdowns, the CBP Southwest Land Border Encounters Dashboard provides up-to-date information.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the combination of tough enforcement, new executive orders, and major funding increases has created a border environment described by DHS as the “most secure in American history.” However, the long-term impact will depend on legal, political, and migration trends in the months ahead.
Conclusion: What Readers Should Know
- June 2025 saw the lowest Southwest Border Patrol apprehensions ever recorded.
- This is the result of aggressive enforcement, new executive orders, and billions in new funding.
- Almost no migrants are being released into the U.S. interior, and asylum is much harder to get.
- Experts warn that these results may not last unless the root causes of migration are addressed.
- Legal and political battles could change the current approach in the future.
For anyone affected by these changes, it is important to stay informed, seek legal advice when needed, and use official government resources for the most accurate and current information. The situation at the border can change quickly, and understanding the latest policies is key to making safe and informed decisions.
Learn Today
Southwest Border Patrol → U.S. Border Patrol division managing immigration enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico southwest border.
Catch-and-release → Practice of releasing detained migrants into the U.S. interior pending immigration proceedings.
Expedited removal → Fast processing and deportation of migrants caught unlawfully near the border.
Presidential Proclamation 10773 → Order suspending entry and limiting asylum at the southern border during high encounter periods.
Operation Lone Star → Texas state-led border enforcement initiative supported by federal funding.
This Article in a Nutshell
June 2025 recorded the lowest Southwest Border Patrol apprehensions ever, driven by strict policies and billions in funding. Zero releases and faster removals redefine border enforcement. These changes reshape migrant flows, impact states, and empower agencies, marking a historic shift under President Trump’s administration on the U.S.-Mexico border.
— By VisaVerge.com
