Illegal border crossings in the United States have reached a historic low for the month of February, with data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection showing a significant decrease in encounters and apprehensions of illegal border crossers. In February, there were 28,654 reported encounters nationwide, marking a 90% drop compared to previous years under the Biden administration.
The numbers for February 2024 stood at 256,071, while February 2023 reported 213,911 encounters and February 2022 had 250,404. At the southwest border, 11,709 illegal border crossers were encountered or apprehended last month, a substantial decrease from previous years with 189,913 in February 2024, 156,630 in February 2023, and 166,010 in February 2022.
Similarly, at the northern border, 4,098 illegal border crossers were encountered or apprehended in February, down from 14,653 in February 2024, 13,052 in February 2023, and 7,822 in 2022. The majority of those apprehended were single adults, followed by individuals claiming to be in a family unit and unaccompanied minors.
Border Patrol apprehensions between ports of entry averaged approximately 330 a day nationwide in February, the lowest average in CBP history. At the southwest border, apprehensions dropped to fewer than 300 a day, representing a 94% decrease from February 2024.
The decrease in illegal border crossings has been attributed to the clear message sent by President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that individuals crossing the border illegally will face deportation without the opportunity to try again. Additionally, the deployment of U.S. military troops to the southwest border and increased active patrols have contributed to the decline.
The Trump administration has introduced the CBP Home mobile app to facilitate departures for unlawfully present foreign nationals or those with revoked parole. This app allows individuals to voluntarily notify the government of their plan to leave the U.S., in compliance with an executive order issued by Trump.
In March, CBP began dismantling soft-sided facilities used to process illegal border crossers under the Biden administration, saving taxpayers millions of dollars each month. The agency plans to close several facilities in Texas and Arizona, redirecting resources to other priorities to gain operational control over the southwest border.
Overall, the decrease in illegal border crossings and the dismantling of processing facilities reflect a shift in border enforcement policies and a commitment to securing the U.S. border.
