WASHINGTON — The Golden Age scoreboard just posted another historic win. On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced preliminary Fiscal Year 2026 data showing the lowest southwest border crossings in American history — and the first-ever fiscal year with ZERO Border Patrol releases into the United States.
CBP recorded fewer than 99,000 southwest Border Patrol apprehensions in FY2026 — a 95% collapse from more than 1.8 million a year under President Biden. Total FY2026 apprehensions (98,708) were 60% lower than Biden’s single highest month alone. Nationwide encounters hit an agency-record low of 379,243, compared with 2.7 million per year under Biden. September marked the 17th consecutive month with zero releases.
“President Trump promised the American people a secure border, and the data proves he delivered,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said. “Over the past year, CBP recorded its lowest numbers in American history. A stark contrast to Biden, where CBP recorded its highest illegal immigration numbers ever… strong enforcement works.” CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott credited focused enforcement and frontline personnel for securing the border, stopping drugs and criminals, and protecting communities.
The build-out matches the numbers. CBP completed 250 miles of new border barrier since January 20, 2025, and obligated $34.3 billion for Smart Wall projects across the southwest. Drug seizures jumped to nearly 1 million pounds — 63% above the four-year average — while border-related alien deaths identified by Border Patrol fell nearly 80%. Illegal aliens got the message: try to enter illegally and you will be apprehended, detained, and deported. Promises Made, Promises Kept. Watch the White House video.
