WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, the House Committee on Homeland Security released its latest “Border Brief” factsheet, highlighting the continued progress by the Trump administration in securing the homeland. In October, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded 7,989 apprehensions at the Southwest border, which is a 95 percent drop compared to the monthly average under the Biden-Harris administration. Nationwide border encounters in October dropped 92 percent compared to the peak of the previous administration. 

FY2026 will mark the first full fiscal year for President Trump’s second term, and the administration is already breaking records for border security. CBP recorded only 30,573 total encounters nationwide in October, which was the lowest start to a fiscal year on record. For the sixth month in a row, zero inadmissible aliens were released on parole by the U.S. Border Patrol. 

“Under President Trump, we’re seeing the most coordinated, whole-of-government effort ever to keep our communities safe and give our CBP officers and Border Patrol agents the tools and support they need to secure the border,” House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) said. “CBP and the Coast Guard are delivering real results, achieving the lowest number of border encounters on record for October, sustaining six consecutive months of zero releases by Border Patrol, and interdicting a record amount of drugs headed to our shores. Congress has already made major investments in technology and in strengthening the CBP workforce, but we have more work to do to fortify our borders now and for generations to come.”

“Thanks to President Trump’s proven border policies and the dedication of the men and women of CBP, our border is more secure today than it has been in decades,” Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) said. “October’s historic low innationwide encounters is a clear sign that enforcement works, and that momentum will continue for the American people. I am grateful the House passed my legislation, the ‘Combating International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025,’ to help enhance CBP’s mission at our borders and shores. Homeland Republicans are committed to advancing policies in Congress that protect our communities and ensure we prevent the failures we witnessed under the Biden-Harris administration.”

In October, Border Patrol agents apprehended an average of 258 inadmissible aliens between ports of entry per day along the Southwest border, fewer than the number apprehended every two hours under the Biden-Harris administration.

As federal law enforcement agents and officers continue their work to secure the homeland, they are also facing increased threats from violent radicals and international gangs. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), threats and violenceagainst Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and Border Patrol agents are on the rise compared to last year. In October, DHS reported that gangs in Mexico had placed bounties on the lives of ICE officers and senior Border Patrol agents. To assess threats against all levels of law enforcement, the Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, December 3, with testimony from law enforcement stakeholders.

Amid rising threats to federal law enforcement and the lingering impacts of the Biden-Harris border crisis, Homeland Republicans have worked hard to ensure that CBP personnel receive the mental health support they need. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) introduced the “Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act” (PEARL Act), which passed the House of Representatives last month. 

The Trump administration’s strong border enforcement posture continues to deter illicit drug smuggling, directly contributing to fewer deadly substances reaching U.S. communities. Nationwide, CBP seized 968 pounds of fentanyl––a 50 percent increase from September. 

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) continues to play a vital role in strengthening the security of U.S. borders and combating the operations of criminal organizations. On October 9, the USCG launched Operation River Wall to enhance protection along more than 260 miles of Rio Grande River that form part of the Southwest border. 

Operations along our shores are valuable as criminals increasingly attempt to exploit our maritime borders for human and drug smuggling. Subcommittee Chairman Guest’s legislation, the “Combating International Drug Trafficking and Human Smuggling Partnership Act of 2025,” enhances international cooperation to improve CBP’s ability to prevent illicit activity from reaching our borders. The legislation passed the House of Representatives last month, underscoring House Republicans’ commitment to keeping our borders secure for years to come. 

Key Facts:

• October was the lowest start to a fiscal year on CBP record, with total nationwide encounters dropping 29 percent compared to the previous record low in October (FY2012), and dropping 79 percent compared to last year.
• Nationwide border encounters in October (30,573) are 92 percent below the peak of the Biden-Harris administration’s 370,883.
• In October, Border Patrol apprehended 7,989 illegal aliens at the Southwest border, less than the number of apprehensions in just five days in October 2024.
• Nationwide USBP apprehensions have averaged under 10,000 per month since President Trump took office in January 2025, 62 percent lower than the previous October low (26,039 in FY2018)––sustaining a level of deterrence that has not been seen in modern times. 

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