Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the U.S.–Mexico border in Arizona and the U.S.–Canada border in North Dakota on February 4, 2026, joining federal, state, and local security leaders and presenting new CBP data showing sustained declines in border encounters and zero-release months. The announcement was issued by DHS alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection operational statistics for January.
The Department of Homeland Security statement frames the visits as a dual-border security review covering both southern and northern operations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership participated in Arizona events, while northern border coordination meetings were held in North Dakota with local officials.
Federal Arrest Announcement
The Department of Homeland Security announced that Secretary Kristi Noem conducted same-day visits to Nogales, Arizona, and Grand Forks, North Dakota focused on border security operations.
According to DHS, she met with leadership from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Meanwhile, DHS said the purpose was to review enforcement performance and coordination with regional partners.
Named participants in Arizona included CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, and National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez, as listed in the DHS release.
Additionally, DHS stated the events highlighted recent enforcement metrics and operational support needs. The real-world effect is documented interagency coordination, while the neutral synthesis is that DHS used the visits to present updated border metrics and partnerships.
Incident Data Table
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Release Months | Nine consecutive months | U.S. Border Patrol releases at zero per DHS and CBP January data |
| Southwest Apprehensions | 6,073 in January | Figure reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
| Nationwide Encounters | 34,631 in January | Lowest January total per DHS and CBP statement |
Crash Incident and State Investigation
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data cited by DHS, January recorded the fourth consecutive monthly decline in Southwest border apprehensions. DHS reports that 6,073 apprehensions were recorded, described as 93% lower than the 33-year monthly average.
Meanwhile, DHS states nationwide encounters reached 34,631 for the month, identified as the lowest January level in agency records.
DHS also states that January marked the ninth straight month in which U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal entrants into the country. Additionally, the department compares current daily apprehension levels with December 2023 peak-hour rates in its official release.
The measurable effect is reduced encounter and release counts in CBP records, while the neutral synthesis is that DHS attributes the change to current enforcement posture.
Enforcement Process Snapshot
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Border Visit | Nogales, Arizona event | DHS event with CBP, ICE, and Border Patrol leadership |
| Northern Border Roundtable | Grand Forks AFB meeting | DHS and ICE roundtable with North Dakota officials |
| Drone Fleet Upgrade | 300 small UAS acquired FY25 | USBP fleet replacement reported by DHS |
Immigration Custody and Detainer Action
During the North Dakota stop, DHS states that Secretary Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons met with local officials including Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochenski and Sheriff Andrew Schneider.
According to DHS, the roundtable focused on northern border operations and technology deployment. Meanwhile, DHS highlights cooperation with regional partners as an operational priority.
DHS reports that U.S. Border Patrol is replacing its drone fleet following the acquisition and deployment of 300 small unmanned aircraft systems in fiscal year 2025. Additionally, the department links these systems to surveillance and response support along the northern border. The operational effect is expanded aerial monitoring capacity, while the neutral synthesis is that DHS is documenting technology upgrades as part of border operations.
Wrapping Up
The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection report that January border metrics show lower apprehension and encounter totals alongside continued zero-release months.
Secretary Kristi Noem’s Arizona and North Dakota visits were used to present those figures and review operational coordination with federal and local partners.
Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
