CBP reports historic lows in border encounters, major drug seizures in December

By THE ALASKA STORY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection released its December 2025 operational statistics Friday, reporting record-low border encounters, continued zero releases into the interior, significant drug interdictions, and strong tariff enforcement under the border security policies of President Donald Trump.

“Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than any time in our nation’s history,” said Kristi Noem, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Noem said December marked “the 8th straight month of zero releases,” adding that monthly results have delivered “the most secure border in history.”

CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott credited frontline personnel for the outcomes. “Our agents and officers have set a new standard for border security, achieving historic results that speak for themselves,” he said.

According to the agency, CBP recorded the lowest encounter totals ever to begin a fiscal year:

• 91,603 total encounters nationwide from October through December, lower than any prior fiscal year to date and 25% below the previous low set in FY2012.

• The U.S. Border Patrol logged 21,815 apprehensions along the southwest border in the first quarter of FY2026, 95% lower than the first-quarter average during the Joe Biden administration.

December trend:

• 30,698 total encounters nationwide, 92% below the Biden-era peak of 370,883 and the lowest December on record.

• 6,478 southwest border apprehensions, 96% lower than the Biden administration’s monthly average—and fewer than what was apprehended in four days in December 2024.

• 209 apprehensions per day on the southwest border, 96% lower than the prior administration’s daily average.

• Zero parole releases, compared with 7,041 releases along the southwest border in December 2024.

CBP reported substantial drug seizures in December, emphasizing its role in intercepting illicit narcotics before they reach U.S. communities. Nationwide seizures totaled 39,030 pounds, including:

• 865 pounds of fentanyl

• 12,833 pounds of methamphetamine

• 3,793 pounds of cocaine

• 164 pounds of heroin

• 14,445 pounds of marijuana

Beyond border security, CBP highlighted its trade enforcement and revenue collection work tied to the administration’s tariff policies. In December 2025, the agency:

• Processed $314 billion in imports

• Identified $28.4 billion in duties owed

From Jan. 20 through Dec. 31, CBP said it collected $297 billion from tariffs, taxes, and fees. Officials said audits, targeting, and frontline reviews are being used to enforce trade law and protect U.S. economic sovereignty.