Trump administration achieves historic border security milestone: Zero migrant releases for fifth straight month

• Southwest border apprehensions hit a 55-year low in FY 2025.
• Zero migrants released into the U.S. interior for five consecutive months.
• 95% drop in daily crossings compared to Biden-era averages.
• 72% of FY 2025 apprehensions occurred in the first 111 days under Biden’s policies.
• Strict controls and border security measures drive historic results.

For the fifth consecutive month, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported zero migrant releases into the United States interior—a stark reversal from the Biden administration’s era of mass migration and unchecked border crossings. Under President Donald Trump’s restored enforcement policies, FY 2025 ended with the lowest number of southwest border apprehensions since 1970, totaling just 237,565—an 87% drop from the previous four-year average.

The dramatic shift underscores the effectiveness of Trump’s immigration agenda, which dismantled the controversial “Catch and Release” policy that allowed millions of migrants to enter and remain in the U.S. while awaiting court hearings. By contrast, Biden’s administration oversaw 7.3 million illegal crossings in four years, a crisis that strained communities, overwhelmed law enforcement and fueled national security concerns.

The numbers tell the story

DHS data reveals a staggering decline in illegal entries since Trump’s return to office:

• Daily apprehensions plummeted from 5,110 under Biden to just 279 per day in September 2025.
• 72% of FY 2025 crossings occurred in the first 111 days under Biden’s policies, while Trump’s policies accounted for only 27% of the year’s total.
• Nationwide encounters fell to 26,000 in September—89% lower than the monthly average under Biden.

The figures highlight a clear policy divergence: Biden’s reliance on NGOs and federal funding to resettle migrants versus Trump’s strict enforcement, including expanded barriers, rapid deportations and prosecutions for unlawful entry.

The fall of “catch and release”

A key factor in the turnaround has been the elimination of migrant releases—a practice that once allowed border agents to process and free migrants into the U.S. with minimal oversight. Under Biden, NGOs such as Catholic Charities USA received nearly $800 million in federal contracts to assist with transportation and housing, effectively incentivizing mass migration.

Trump’s DHS has instead prioritized detention and removal, ensuring migrants are either turned away at the border or swiftly deported. Officials credit this approach with deterring future crossings and restoring operational control.

A return to law and order

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem hailed the results as proof of the administration’s commitment to secure borders and national sovereignty. “We have had the most secure border in American history,” she stated, attributing the success to empowered law enforcement and an end to political interference in border operations.

The Trump administration’s policies have also targeted drug cartels and human smuggling networks, further disrupting illegal activity. With zero parole-style releases—compared to 9,144 in September 2024—DHS has sent an unambiguous message: those who break U.S. immigration laws will face consequences.

The road ahead

As DHS prepares to release final FY 2025 reports, the numbers solidify Trump’s border strategy as the most effective in decades. The administration has vowed to maintain zero releases into FY 2026, reinforcing its pledge to permanently end the chaos of the Biden era.

For millions of Americans who endured years of unchecked migration, soaring crime and strained public resources, the shift represents more than a policy victory—it’s a restoration of security, sovereignty and the rule of law.

A border secured, a nation strengthened

The Trump administration’s historic enforcement success proves that strong leadership, strict policies and unwavering commitment to sovereignty can reverse even the most severe border crises. With illegal crossings at a 55-year low and zero migrant releases for five months, the U.S. has reclaimed control of its borders—setting a new standard for security and accountability in immigration policy.

The question now is whether future administrations will learn from these results—or repeat the mistakes of the past. For now, the American people can finally breathe easier knowing their borders are no longer a gateway for chaos, but a shield of protection.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

Breitbart.com

DHS.gov