CBP Reports Lower Border Apprehensions and Increased Enforcement Activity

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the twelfth consecutive month of zero migrant releases at the U.S. border in April 2026. DHS and CBP said southwest border apprehensions and encounters remained at historically low levels while drug interdictions and trade enforcement operations increased nationwide.

The announcement reflects continuing federal border enforcement operations under the Trump administration, with DHS and CBP highlighting reduced apprehension figures alongside expanded narcotics seizures, trade oversight, and agriculture inspections. The agencies released the data on May 15 as part of CBP’s monthly operational reporting framework.

Border Enforcement Reaches Historic Levels

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection said April 2026 marked the twelfth consecutive month in which the U.S. Border Patrol recorded zero migrant releases into the United States. Additionally, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin described the figures as evidence of intensified border enforcement policies under President Donald Trump.

CBP reported 8,943 southwest border apprehensions during April 2026. According to CBP, the figure was 94% lower than the monthly average recorded during the Biden administration and 96% below the December 2023 peak level.

Monthly Border Statistics

Decline in Border Apprehensions

CBP stated that southwest border crossings and apprehensions remained at levels not seen in more than three decades. The agency said total apprehensions during the current fiscal year through April were lower than the historical monthly average recorded between fiscal years 1992 and 2024.

According to CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott, April 2026 apprehension figures were lower than the number of migrants apprehended in a single hour during the December 2023 peak. CBP also said daily apprehension averages remained below the equivalent of every two-hour average recorded during the Biden administration.

Historical Comparison Data

Drug Interdiction Operations Expand

CBP said nationwide seizures involving cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana increased 60% compared with April 2024. Additionally, the agency reported heroin seizures increased 73% from March 2026 while methamphetamine seizures rose 63% during the same period.

According to CBP, officers seized 463 pounds of fentanyl during April 2026. The agency also stated total drug seizures during fiscal year 2026 through April were 61% higher than the same period in fiscal year 2024.

Seizure and Enforcement Data

Trade and Consumer Protection Enforcement

CBP stated the agency processed approximately $312 billion in imports during April 2026 while identifying $21.6 billion in duties for collection. The agency said trade enforcement remains connected to broader economic security operations at ports of entry.

The agency also reported stopping 263 shipments valued at more than $810 million for potential forced labor violations. Additionally, CBP said officers seized nearly three million counterfeit goods valued at more than $1.5 billion during April.

Supply Chain and Trade Oversight

• Trade Processing: CBP reported processing $312 billion in imports during April 2026 as part of nationwide trade enforcement operations.
• Forced Labor Enforcement: CBP said 263 shipments valued above $810 million were stopped for potential forced labor concerns.
• Counterfeit Goods: CBP reported seizing approximately 2.98 million counterfeit items valued at more than $1.5 billion.

Agriculture and Border Protection Activities

CBP agriculture specialists conducted more than 105,000 positive passenger inspections during April 2026, according to agency reporting. The agency also issued 7,181 emergency action notifications involving restricted or prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States.

Additionally, CBP said officers issued 690 civil penalties or violations involving undeclared prohibited agricultural items. The agency described the inspections as part of broader efforts to protect U.S. agriculture, natural resources, and supply chains.

Stakeholder Comments

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said

“Twelve straight months of ZERO releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history.”

“The days of catch and release are over. We are enforcing the nation’s laws and sending illegal aliens back to their home countries.”

CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott said,

“What a difference America! The U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into our country again this month, unlike April 2024 when more than 68,000 were released under President Biden.”

“Every minute of every day President Trump’s border security policies are making every American safer.”

The statements accompanied CBP’s monthly operational release and reflected official agency assessments of border security performance during April 2026. However, the release focused primarily on operational statistics rather than broader immigration policy debate.

DHS and CBP used April 2026 operational data to present a picture of Border Patrol apprehension figures alongside expanded enforcement activity across narcotics interdiction, trade oversight, and agriculture inspections. The agencies linked the figures to current federal border security policies and ongoing operational enforcement efforts.

The reporting also highlighted how CBP’s responsibilities extend beyond migration enforcement into trade processing, supply chain protection, and anti-smuggling operations affecting broader national security and economic priorities.

Sources: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP Stats and Summaries.

Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
Research combines AI-assisted analysis with human-edited accuracy and context.