Illegal Border Crossings Drop to Lowest Levels in February in U.S. History

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Illegal border crossings have reached a record low in February, according to the latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The numbers show a significant decrease in encounters and apprehensions of illegal border crossers compared to previous years under the Biden administration.

In February 2025, there were only 28,654 encounters and apprehensions nationwide, marking a 90% drop from previous February numbers. This is a stark contrast to the 256,071 reported in February 2024, 213,911 in February 2023, and 250,404 in February 2022. At the southwest border, 11,709 illegal border crossers were encountered last month, a significant decrease from 189,913 in February 2024, 156,630 in 2023, and 166,010 in 2022. Similarly, at the northern border, 4,098 illegal border crossers were encountered, down from 14,653 in February 2024, 13,052 in 2023, and 7,822 in 2022.

The majority of apprehended individuals were single adults, followed by those claiming to be in a family unit and unaccompanied minors. Border Patrol apprehensions averaged around 330 a day in February, the lowest in CBP history. At the southwest border, apprehensions dropped to fewer than 300 a day, with a 94% decrease from February 2024.

CBP attributes this significant drop in illegal border crossings to the clear message sent by President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. The administration has made it clear that those crossing the border illegally will be deported without the chance to try again. The deployment of U.S. military troops and increased patrols have also played a role in reducing illegal border crossings.

Additionally, the Trump administration introduced the CBP Home mobile app to facilitate departures for unlawfully present foreign nationals or those with revoked parole. This app helps individuals comply with an executive order issued by Trump to ensure an orderly process for aliens to communicate their departure plans.

In March, CBP began dismantling soft-sided facilities used to process illegal border crossers, saving taxpayers millions of dollars per month. The agency no longer needs these facilities as illegal aliens are being quickly removed, allowing CBP to focus on gaining operational control over the southwest border.

Manpower and resources diverted to these facilities are now being redirected to other priorities to enhance border security. Agents who were assigned to the facilities are returning to their primary enforcement duties, helping CBP make progress in managing the detention of apprehended aliens in permanent facilities.

Overall, the decrease in illegal border crossings and the efforts taken by the Trump administration and CBP have contributed to a more secure border and a more efficient immigration process.