Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted border security achievements. She spoke on February 3, 2026. Leaders from the Texas National Guard joined her. U.S. Border Patrol chiefs were also present. They announced major operational successes. These occurred along the southern border. The year-to-date figures for fiscal year 2026 are striking. They show an 84% decrease. This is compared to fiscal year 2025. This drop spans encounters, gotaways, rescues, and arrests. It also includes assaults on federal agents.
This progress contrasts sharply with past events. The US experienced a surge in mass migration. This occurred in late 2023. Dangerous journeys and smuggler exploitation marked that period. Fatal drownings happened near Eagle Pass, Texas. USBP agents faced overwhelming demands then.
Overall border security is now deemed the most secure in US history. This claim comes from administration officials. Fiscal year 2025 saw the lowest southwest border apprehensions in over 55 years. Data from October 2025 showed record-low crossings. It marked the sixth straight month of zero releases. By January 2026, nationwide encounters fell by 87%. This trend continues in trending news.
A Pew Research Center analysis confirms this trend. Migrant encounters in fiscal year 2025 hit the lowest point since 1970. The report noted 237,538 encounters for FY2025. This is a large drop from 1.5 million in FY2024.
Current border security efforts involve significant infrastructure. Operation River Wall began in October 2025. The Trump administration also announced $4.5 billion for “Smart Wall” systems. This system combines barriers, cameras, and detection technology.
Other enforcement actions are also yielding results. Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota is one example. Since late 2025, over 4,000 illegal aliens have been arrested there. Arrests include individuals with criminal histories. These range from domestic violence to sex offenses. One arrest involved a known suspected terrorist.
However, enforcement practices face judicial scrutiny. A federal judge in Oregon ruled on February 3, 2026. U.S. immigration agents must stop warrantless arrests there. This applies unless there is a likelihood of escape. This decision impacts Department of Homeland Security practices. Civil rights groups also raise concerns. They highlight a memo potentially authorizing warrantless home entries. States have also notified DHS about license plate misuse.
Despite these issues, the overall narrative emphasizes enhanced border control. Secretary Noem stated, “Consequences deter illegal crossings”. She added that detention, not release, yields results. The administration asserts new leadership brought back effective enforcement. These developments are significant US border news. The focus remains on securing the nation’s borders. This is a critical ongoing story.
The US Border Patrol and other agencies continue their work. They aim to maintain these gains. The current security measures appear effective. This is a major shift from previous years. The trend indicates a more controlled border.
The administration’s strategy seems to focus on deterrence. It also emphasizes removing individuals with criminal records. This coordinated approach aims to bolster national security. The future of border policy remains a key focus.
