U.S. Border Patrol recorded 98,708 apprehensions along the southwest border in fiscal year 2026, the lowest annual total in the agency’s history, according to preliminary figures released by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The total was 60 percent lower than the 249,740 apprehensions recorded during the highest single month of the Biden administration.
Nationwide border encounters fell to 379,243 during FY 2026, the lowest annual total in CBP history and an 88-percent decrease from FY 2023, when the number of encounters reached its highest recorded level.
September also marked the 17th consecutive month in which Border Patrol reported zero releases of apprehended individuals into the country.
“President Trump promised the American people a secure border, and the data proves he delivered,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “The results could not be clearer: strong enforcement works.”
The department also reported progress in expanding physical barriers along the southern border.
Since January 20, 2025, CBP has completed 250 miles of new border barriers, including primary and secondary fencing, waterborne barriers, and supporting technology.
Between September 2025 and September 2026, the agency obligated $34.3 billion toward Smart Wall construction projects across southwest border states.
Beyond immigration enforcement, CBP reported seizing nearly 1 million pounds of illegal drugs during FY 2026, a 63-percent increase over the annual average of approximately 600,000 pounds during the previous four years.
Preliminary figures also indicated that migrant deaths identified by Border Patrol declined nearly 80 percent compared to the Biden administration.
“FY 2026 demonstrated what focused enforcement, strong partnerships, and the commitment of our frontline personnel can achieve,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott.
The figures are preliminary and reflect enforcement activity during the federal fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
