Preliminary government data obtained by CBS News reveals that the number of migrants apprehended while attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully reached a new historic monthly low in June 2025. The figures indicate just over 6,000 apprehensions were recorded by Border Patrol agents along the southern border throughout the month. This tally marks the lowest monthly total ever reported by the agency, significantly below the previous low of approximately 7,200 apprehensions recorded in March 2025.
Administration Cites Aggressive Enforcement Policies
The Trump administration has been swift to attribute this dramatic reduction in illegal immigration to its robust and aggressive enforcement strategies. These policies were initiated immediately following President Trump’s inauguration. A key component is an emergency proclamation that empowers border officials to swiftly deport migrants without providing them a hearing for asylum claims. While the administration maintains this measure is essential for border control, it is currently facing legal challenges in court from civil rights advocates who argue it bypasses due process.
Furthermore, immigration authorities received strict directives to halt all migrant releases, permitting exceptions only in cases deemed life-threatening circumstances. This contrasts sharply with previous periods, including under the Biden administration, when tens of thousands of migrants were often released into the interior of the United States monthly.
Supporting the enforcement efforts at the border, the administration has deployed thousands of additional active-duty troops. These military personnel are tasked with assisting in repelling illegal crossings and constructing physical barriers along the border. The U.S. military has also been involved in setting up zones for temporary migrant detention before individuals are transferred to the custody of immigration officials.
Expanded Interior Enforcement and Reassignments
Concurrent with the enhanced border security measures, the administration has also intensified enforcement efforts in the interior of the country. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been directed to undertake large-scale arrests of suspected unauthorized immigrants away from the border areas. This focus on interior enforcement has led to a significant increase in the number of individuals held in ICE detention facilities, reaching a record high last week.
Amidst the substantially lower volume of illegal crossings at the border, hundreds of experienced Border Patrol agents have been reassigned. These agents are now assisting ICE with immigration arrests in locations away from the border, including major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles. This strategic reallocation of resources underscores the administration’s focus on identifying and apprehending unauthorized immigrants residing within the United States, not just those attempting to cross the border.
The administration has also complemented its enforcement actions with public messaging campaigns. These initiatives are designed to encourage unauthorized immigrants currently residing in the U.S. to voluntarily self-deport.
Historical Context and Enforcement Impact
The current figures represent a stark contrast to the situation observed during the previous administration. During the Biden administration, Border Patrol sometimes recorded over 6,000 apprehensions daily, with peak days in late 2023 seeing totals exceeding 10,000 crossings. The precipitous decline to a monthly total just slightly above the daily peak of a few years prior highlights the scale of the recent change.
Tom Homan, who served as the Trump administration’s border czar, confirmed the June apprehension numbers. He further noted that Border Patrol did not release a single migrant for the second consecutive month. Homan emphasized this marked difference from the tens of thousands released monthly during some periods under the Biden administration, asserting that the no-release policy is a key deterrent.
Data concerning those recently booked into ICE detention provides insight into the population being targeted by interior enforcement. Recent figures indicate that fewer than 10% of individuals booked into ICE detention in recent months had been convicted of violent crimes. This statistic has been noted by civil rights groups raising concerns about the scope and impact of the expanded interior arrests.
While the administration hails the record low apprehension numbers as evidence of successful policy, the strategies employed, particularly the swift deportation process and increased interior enforcement, continue to be subjects of intense debate and legal scrutiny.
