Border Patrol Marks Historic Success: Zero Illegal Migrant Releases in May 2025, Down From 62,000 Last Year

In a remarkable turnaround for U.S. border security, the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) announced that during May 2025, zero illegal migrants were released into the community—a drastic shift from the more than 62,000 migrants released during the same period last year under the previous administration.

Speaking on Fox & Friends, USBP Chief Michael Banks hailed the milestone as “incredible progress” in securing the southern border. “If you care about national security, you know that under the previous administration, we saw record numbers of illegal entries and releases into our communities. To go from over 62,000 released last May to zero this year is historic,” Banks said.

The reduction in migrant releases comes alongside a dramatic decline in apprehensions as well. Internal data reveals that the Border Patrol arrested just 8,725 individuals crossing illegally in May 2025—a staggering 93% drop compared to 117,905 apprehensions in May 2024.

This success has been attributed to a combination of reversing the “catch-and-release” policy prevalent under the Biden administration, increasing staffing levels, and enhanced federal support and resources.

Pete Flores, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), emphasized the historic nature of this achievement: “Under this administration’s leadership, CBP has received unprecedented support, resulting in a 93% decrease in illegal border crossings this month compared to last year.”

Border security experts have praised these developments. Tom Homan, former Border Patrol Chief under President Trump, noted, “The Trump administration left us with the most secure border in our nation’s history. In the last 24 hours alone, Border Patrol agents apprehended just 95 illegal entrants along the southern border—the lowest figure recorded in recent memory. That’s a stark contrast to the over 10,000 daily apprehensions during the previous administration.”

Paul Perez, National Border Patrol Council President, added, “Under the Biden administration, agents were pulled off patrol duties to handle processing, detention, and transportation tasks, leaving the border vulnerable. Now, all agents are back on the front lines securing the border—something we haven’t seen in years.”

While Chief Banks stopped short of declaring victory, he emphasized that the Border Patrol is closer than ever to achieving “operational security” along the southern border. “We’re making historic strides, but there is more work to be done to maintain these gains,” Banks said.

Looking ahead, many experts are calling for comprehensive border legislation that includes increased deportations and enhanced interagency cooperation to sustain and build upon this momentum.

This milestone in border enforcement represents a major shift in U.S. immigration policy and sends a clear message about the administration’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders.