CBP Reports Historic Drop in Border Apprehensions in February 2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released its operational statistics for February 2025, reporting significant declines in border apprehensions following the implementation of new executive orders. The agency attributes these reductions to the enforcement measures outlined by President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, which prioritize border security and expedited deportations. CBP also detailed its continued efforts to intercept narcotics, facilitate lawful trade and travel, and enforce regulations against forced labor and counterfeit goods.

CBP data shows a sharp decrease in illegal border crossings. U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) reported an average of 330 apprehensions per day nationwide in February, marking the lowest daily average in CBP’s history. Southwest border apprehensions fell below 300 per day. The total number of illegal aliens apprehended along the southwest border was 8,347, a 71% decrease from January 2025 and a 94% decrease from February 2024. CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO) encountered 3,362 inadmissible aliens at southwest border ports of entry, reflecting a 90% drop from the previous month and a 93% drop from the same period last year.

The agency has also increased border patrol operations with support from the Department of Defense. CBP launched the CBP Home mobile application, which allows individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. to voluntarily report their intent to leave the country. Those who do not voluntarily depart face deportation and permanent bans from reentry.

CBP also reported extensive drug interdiction efforts, particularly targeting fentanyl and other illicit substances. In collaboration with federal, state, local, and international partners, CBP conducted enforcement operations in California, Arizona, and the Pacific Northwest, seizing over 10,900 pounds of narcotics, including 1,266 pounds of fentanyl, 5,683 pounds of methamphetamine, and 2,584 pounds of cocaine. These efforts also led to the seizure of 140 weapons, $1.3 million in illicit U.S. currency, and the arrests of 317 individuals linked to transnational criminal organizations.

Beyond border enforcement, CBP remains a key player in facilitating trade and travel. In February, the agency processed over 2.7 million entry summaries for imported goods valued at more than $303 billion, generating nearly $7.6 billion in duties for the U.S. government. Trade by ocean accounted for the largest share of import value, followed by air, truck, and rail. The agency also seized 1,815 shipments of counterfeit goods worth more than $525 million and detained over 1,000 shipments valued at $9.73 million due to suspected forced labor violations under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

CBP continues to enforce regulations protecting American agriculture. In February, CBP agriculture specialists issued over 6,400 emergency action notifications for prohibited plant and animal products and conducted over 91,000 passenger inspections, issuing 634 civil penalties for violations. The agency also completed 28 audits that identified $2.9 million in unpaid duties and collected over $74.5 million in total revenue.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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