US Border Crossings in 2026
The landscape of illegal border crossings in the United States has undergone dramatic transformation in early 2026, marking one of the most significant shifts in border enforcement history. Following record-high encounters that characterized the period from 2021 through 2024, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) documented over 10.8 million encounters nationwide during this four-year period, recent policy changes have resulted in unprecedented declines. As of January 2025, the last month for which complete government data is available, U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border dropped 85% compared to the same period in 2024, fundamentally reshaping the discussion around border security and immigration enforcement.
The 2025-2026 border statistics reflect a complex evolution of enforcement mechanisms, policy implementations, and migration patterns tracked meticulously by CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), CBP recorded approximately 2.9 million nationwide encounters, with nearly half occurring at ports of entry. This represented a shift from previous years when the overwhelming majority of encounters occurred between ports of entry. In the first half of January 2025, Border Patrol encounters were nearly 50% lower than at the same point in January 2021, with the 7-day daily average sitting at approximately 1,150 encounters, remaining below 1,500 for 21 consecutive days. These statistics, drawn exclusively from official CBP.gov data sources and DHS press releases, provide the most authoritative picture of border crossing trends.
Interesting US Border Crossing Facts and Statistics 2026
| Category | Fact/Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| FY 2024 Total Encounters | 2.9 million | Nationwide CBP encounters (Oct 2023 – Sept 2024) |
| FY 2021-2024 Total | 10.8 million+ | Total nationwide encounters over 4-year period |
| SW Border FY 2021-2024 | 8.72 million | Southwest border encounters (4-year total) |
| FY 2024 Removals/Returns | 700,000+ | Most since 2010 (formerly ~685,000) |
| January 2025 Drop | 85% decrease | SW border apprehensions vs January 2024 (Jan 21-31) |
| Daily Average (Jan 2025) | 1,150 encounters | 7-day rolling average in mid-January 2025 |
| Encounters Below 1,500 | 21 consecutive days | Sustained low levels in January 2025 |
| Port of Entry Shift | 46% at POEs | FY2024 encounters vs 15% in FY2021 |
| Getaways Reduction | 60% decrease | FY2024 vs FY2023 estimated “gotaways” |
| Getaways Total FY2021-2024 | ~2 million | Known individuals who evaded apprehension |
| FY2017-2020 Comparison | 3 million total | vs 10.8M in FY2021-2024 (260% increase) |
| Fentanyl Seized (2 years) | 50,000 pounds | FY2023-FY2024 combined (record amounts) |
| Terrorist Watchlist (FY2021-2024) | 385 individuals | Apprehended between POEs at SW border |
| Criminal Noncitizens Arrested | 55,106 | FY2021-2024 with convictions/warrants |
| Northern Border Increase | 600%+ growth | FY2024 vs FY2021 encounters |
| November-December 2024 | Lowest since Aug 2020 | Encounters between ports of entry |
| June-December 2024 Decline | 60%+ decrease | SW border encounters after June proclamation |
| CBP Border Personnel | 24,000+ | Agents and Officers on SW border |
Data source: CBP.gov, DHS.gov, CBP Enforcement Statistics, Nationwide Encounters (January 2026)
The Fiscal Year 2024 statistics reveal the magnitude of border enforcement activities across the United States. With approximately 2.9 million nationwide encounters, CBP documented interactions spanning all modes of transportation including land, air, and sea entry points. Of particular significance is the 46% of encounters occurring at ports of entry during FY2024, compared to only 15% at ports of entry in FY2021. This dramatic shift reflects changes in how individuals attempt to enter the United States, with increased utilization of ports of entry rather than illegal crossings between designated entry points. The 700,000+ removals and returns completed in FY2024 represent the highest annual total since 2010, demonstrating enhanced enforcement capabilities.
The four-year period from FY2021 through FY2024 saw 10.8 million total nationwide encounters, with 8.72 million occurring specifically at the Southwest border. This stands in stark contrast to the approximately 3 million nationwide encounters recorded during the previous four-year period from FY2017-2020, representing a 260% increase. Additionally, CBP estimates approximately 2 million “gotaways”—individuals who crossed the border illegally and evaded apprehension—during FY2021-2024, roughly four times the number recorded from FY2017-2020. The sustained reduction beginning in late 2024 and continuing into 2025, with the daily average dropping to 1,150 encounters and remaining below 1,500 for 21 consecutive days in January 2025, marks a historic shift in border crossing patterns.
US Border Encounters By Fiscal Year Statistics 2020-2024
| Fiscal Year | Nationwide Encounters | Southwest Border Total | Northern Border Total | Year-Over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2020 | ~400,000-500,000 | Data limited (COVID-19) | Data limited | Baseline year |
| FY 2021 | ~1.7-1.9 million | ~1.6-1.7 million | ~27,000-30,000 | Significant increase |
| FY 2022 | ~2.7-2.8 million | ~2.2-2.4 million | ~110,000-120,000 | +40-50% vs FY2021 |
| FY 2023 | ~3.2 million | ~2.4 million | ~180,000-190,000 | +15-20% vs FY2022 |
| FY 2024 | ~2.9 million | ~2.1 million | ~190,000-200,000 | -10% vs FY2023 |
| FY 2021-2024 Total | 10.8+ million | 8.72 million | ~500,000+ | 4-year cumulative |
| FY 2017-2020 Total | ~3 million | ~2.37 million | Data limited | Historical comparison |
Data source: CBP Enforcement Statistics, DHS Reports, House Committee on Homeland Security Reports based on CBP data (January 2026)
FY 2020 served as a unique baseline year as the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in Title 42 expulsions beginning in March 2020. FY 2021 saw a dramatic surge with approximately 1.7-1.9 million nationwide encounters. FY 2022 witnessed approximately 2.7-2.8 million nationwide encounters, including over 2.2 million apprehensions by Border Patrol between ports of entry on the Southwest border, representing a 40-50% increase compared to FY2021. FY 2023 continued the upward trend with approximately 3.2 million nationwide encounters. The trend began reversing in FY 2024, which recorded approximately 2.9 million nationwide encounters, representing about a 10% decrease from FY2023.
US Southwest Border Encounters By Month Statistics 2024-2025
| Month/Period | SW Border Encounters | Year-Over-Year Comparison | Policy Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Data not specified | Baseline for June comparison | Pre-proclamation period |
| June 2024 | Lower than May | Beginning of decline | Presidential Proclamation (June 4) |
| July 2024 | Continued decline | Enforcement ramp-up | Enhanced consequences |
| August 2024 | Further reduction | 30% below June | Northern border -30% (June-Aug) |
| September 2024 | 53,800 encounters | Compared to Sept 2023 | End of FY2024 |
| October 2024 | FY2025 begins | New fiscal year starts | Continued enforcement |
| November 2024 | Lowest since Aug 2020 | Multi-year low | Sustained consequences |
| December 2024 | Lowest since Aug 2020 | Continued multi-year low | Year-end enforcement |
| January 1-20, 2025 | Previous admin data | Final period | Transition period |
| January 21-31, 2025 | 85% below Jan 2024 | Historic decline | New administration policies |
| Mid-January 2025 | 1,150 daily average | 50% below Jan 2021 | 21 days below 1,500 |
Data source: CBP Monthly Updates, DHS Fact Sheets, CBP.gov (January 2026)
The monthly statistics for 2024-2025 demonstrate dramatic policy impact. The June 4, 2024 Presidential Proclamation marked a turning point, with encounters between ports of entry decreasing 60%+ from May to December 2024. November and December 2024 achieved the lowest levels since August 2020, falling below 2019 monthly averages. The January 21-31, 2025 period saw Southwest border apprehensions drop 85% compared to 2024, with the 7-day daily average at 1,150—50% lower than January 2021.
US Border Enforcement Actions and Removals Statistics 2024-2025
| Enforcement Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| FY2024 Removals/Returns | 700,000+ | Highest since 2010 (updated from 685,000) |
| Non-Mexico Removals | Record High | More than any prior fiscal year |
| Expedited Removal Increase | Tripled percentage | Record levels of expedited processing |
| Release Pending Court | 89% decrease | Border Patrol releases vs previous period |
| Removal Time Reduction | 50%+ faster | Individuals with final orders vs historical average |
| International Repatriation Flights | 400+ flights | June 5-Sept 10, 2024 period |
| Removed to 140+ Countries | 131,000+ individuals | June 5-Sept 10, 2024 period |
| Criminal Noncitizens Arrested | 55,106 total | FY2021-2024 with convictions/warrants |
| Wanted Criminals Arrested (Daily) | 135 arrests | 86 at POEs, 49 between POEs (FY2024 average) |
| NCIC Arrests | Significant volume | Individuals wanted by other agencies |
| Gang Members Arrested | 35,433+ in FY2023 | Including 178 MS-13 members |
| Watchlist Encounters FY2023 | 169 individuals | Terrorist screening dataset matches |
| SW Watchlist FY2021-2024 | 385 individuals | Between POEs apprehensions |
Data source: CBP Enforcement Statistics, DHS Fact Sheets, CBP Monthly Updates (January 2026)
Enforcement actions reached unprecedented levels during FY2024, with DHS completing over 700,000 removals and returns—more than any fiscal year since 2010. DHS reduced the average time required to remove individuals with final orders by more than half compared to the historical average. Between June 5 and September 10, 2024, 400+ international repatriation flights transported over 131,000 individuals to more than 140 countries. The percentage of noncitizens processed for Expedited Removal was tripled to record levels, while Border Patrol releases pending immigration court proceedings decreased by 89%.
US Northern Border Encounter Statistics 2021-2024
| Northern Border Metric | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| FY2021-2024 Total | 500,000+ encounters | Four-year cumulative total |
| FY2024 vs FY2021 | 600%+ increase | Six-fold growth over period |
| June-August 2024 Decline | 30% reduction | Following enhanced enforcement |
| June-November 2024 Decline | 80%+ reduction | Expanded enforcement impact |
| June-December 2024 Decline | 85%+ reduction | Sustained enforcement results |
| Swanton Sector (June-Nov) | 85% decrease | Vermont/New York sector |
| Swanton Sector (June-Dec) | 89% decrease | Continued reductions |
| FY2024 Encounters | 190,000-200,000 | Estimated annual total |
| FY2023 Encounters | 180,000-190,000 | Prior year total |
| FY2022 Encounters | 110,000-120,000 | Earlier growth phase |
| FY2021 Encounters | 27,000-30,000 | Low baseline year |
Data source: CBP Monthly Updates, CBP Enforcement Statistics, DHS Reports (January 2026)
The Northern Border experienced dramatic changes during 2021-2024, with FY2021 seeing approximately 27,000-30,000 encounters growing to 190,000-200,000 in FY2024—a 600%+ increase. This four-year period saw cumulative northern border encounters surpass 500,000. Enhanced enforcement in 2024 yielded dramatic results: 80%+ reduction from June to November, expanding to 85%+ by December. The Swanton Sector exemplified these gains with 89% decrease from June to December 2024.
US Border “Gotaways” and Evasion Statistics 2021-2024
| Gotaway Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| FY2021-2024 Total | ~2 million | Known individuals who evaded apprehension |
| FY2017-2020 Total | ~500,000 | Four times lower than FY2021-2024 |
| FY2024 vs FY2023 | 60% decrease | Estimated gotaway reduction |
| Detection Methods | Multiple technologies | Cameras, sensors, air surveillance |
| Southwest Border Focus | Majority of gotaways | Primary area of evasion |
| Northern Border Gotaways | Increasing concern | Growing through 2023-2024 |
| Cartel Involvement | Significant role | Organized smuggling operations |
| Security Risk Level | High concern | Unknown individuals entering |
Data source: CBP Data, DHS Reports, House Committee on Homeland Security (January 2026)
“Gotaways” represent individuals who illegally cross and evade apprehension, detected only through sensors or cameras. During FY2021-2024, CBP estimates approximately 2 million known gotaways—roughly four times the 500,000 recorded during FY2017-2020. Encouragingly, FY2024 saw a 60% decrease compared to FY2023 due to enhanced Border Patrol staffing, improved surveillance technology including autonomous towers, and Department of Defense coordination.
US Border Drug Seizure Statistics 2021-2024
| Drug Category | Seizure Amount | Period | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fentanyl (Total) | 50,000 pounds | FY2023-FY2024 combined | Record amounts – 2 billion+ lethal doses |
| Fentanyl FY2024 | 19,600+ pounds | Through August 2024 | On track for record year |
| Fentanyl December 2024 | 1,148 pounds | Single month | Monthly interdiction |
| Fentanyl January 2025 | 1,029 pounds | Single month | Continued high seizures |
| Fentanyl FY2021-2024 | 9,055 pounds | Between POEs | Border Patrol seizures |
| Fentanyl FY2017-2020 | 1,604 pounds | Four-year comparison | 465% increase vs FY2021-2024 |
| Methamphetamine Jan 2025 | 15% increase | vs December 2024 | Month-over-month growth |
| Combined Drugs Dec 2024 | 2.7% increase | vs November 2024 | All categories by weight |
| Cocaine December 2024 | 296% increase | vs November 2024 | Significant monthly jump |
| Daily Drug Average FY2024 | 1,571 pounds | All drugs combined | Including 60 lbs fentanyl/day |
Data source: CBP Drug Seizure Statistics, CBP Monthly Updates, CBP Enforcement Statistics (January 2026)
Drug interdiction represents a critical mission, with CBP seizing nearly 50,000 pounds of fentanyl during FY2023-FY2024—enough for 2+ billion lethal doses. Through August 2024, CBP seized over 19,600 pounds, with December 2024 producing 1,148 pounds and January 2025 yielding 1,029 pounds. On a typical FY2024 day, CBP seized 1,571 pounds of drugs including 60 pounds of fentanyl daily. Border Patrol seized 9,055 pounds of fentanyl between ports of entry during FY2021-2024 versus just 1,604 pounds during FY2017-2020—a 465% increase.
US Border Demographics and Citizenship Statistics 2021-2024
| Demographic Category | Total FY2021-2024 | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Single Adults | 5.50 million | Southwest border encounters |
| Family Unit Individuals | 2.66 million | Southwest border encounters |
| Unaccompanied Children | 546,255 | Southwest border encounters |
| Mexico Nationals FY2022 | 738,780 (34%) | Largest single country |
| Guatemala Nationals FY2022 | 228,220 (10%) | Second largest |
| Cuba Nationals FY2022 | 220,321 (10%) | Third largest |
| Honduras Nationals FY2022 | 199,186 (9%) | Fourth largest |
| Venezuela Nationals FY2022 | 187,286 (9%) | Fifth largest |
| Chinese Nationals | 1,000%+ increase | FY2021-2024 vs FY2017-2020 |
| “Historically Atypical” Countries | 43% of encounters (FY2022) | Non-traditional source countries |
| CHNV Nationals (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) | Down 98-99% | Between POEs after safe pathways implemented |
Data source: CBP Southwest Border Migration Demographics, CBP Enforcement Statistics, House Committee on Homeland Security (January 2026)
The demographic composition of border encounters shifted dramatically during the FY2021-2024 period. Of the 8.72 million Southwest border encounters, 5.50 million were single adults, 2.66 million were family unit individuals, and 546,255 were unaccompanied children. During FY2022, encounters included Mexico (738,780, 34%), Guatemala (228,220, 10%), Cuba (220,321, 10%), Honduras (199,186, 9%), and Venezuela (187,286, 9%). Notably, migrants from “historically atypical countries” grew from 3% in FY2011 to 43% by FY2022. Chinese nationals saw a 1,000%+ increase during FY2021-2024 compared to FY2017-2020.
US Border Technology and Infrastructure Statistics 2024-2025
| Technology/Infrastructure | Deployment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Border Personnel | 24,000+ agents/officers | Southwest border total |
| Support Personnel | Thousands added | Allowing agents to return to front-line work |
| Autonomous Surveillance Towers | Deployed | Cutting-edge monitoring technology |
| Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) | Enhanced at POEs | Detect fentanyl and contraband |
| Ports of Entry | 300+ nationwide | Land, air, and sea facilities |
| CBP One App (Discontinued) | 852,000+ appointments | Jan 2023-Jan 2025 (terminated Jan 20, 2025) |
| Rescues/Medical Responses | 16 daily | FY2024 average |
| Air/Marine Patrol Hours | 204 air, 91 water | Daily average FY2024 |
| K-9 Detection Teams | Significant deployment | Drug and contraband detection |
| Biometric Systems | Advanced screening | Identity verification at POEs |
Data source: CBP Statistics, DHS Fact Sheets, CBP Technology Reports (January 2026)
Border technology saw significant investment during 2024-2025, with over 24,000 agents/officers deployed along the Southwest border. Autonomous surveillance towers provide 24/7 monitoring, while Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology at ports of entry better detects fentanyl and contraband. The CBP One app (Jan 2023-Jan 20, 2025) processed over 852,000 appointments before termination. Daily operations during FY2024 included 204 air patrol hours, 91 marine patrol hours, and 16 rescues/medical responses.
US Border Security Personnel and Operations Statistics 2024
| Operational Category | Daily Average FY2024 | Annual Context |
|---|---|---|
| Between-POE Apprehensions | 3,200-3,400 | U.S. Border Patrol |
| At-POE Encounters | 3,682 | Office of Field Operations |
| Criminal Arrests at POEs | 86 | Wanted criminals |
| Criminal Arrests Between POEs | 49 | Wanted criminals |
| Rescues/Medical Responses | 16 | Life-saving operations |
| Fraudulent Documents | 5 | Intercepted daily |
| Pest Discoveries at POEs | 247 | Agriculture threats |
| Quarantine Materials | 3,586 | Intercepted items |
| Air Patrol Hours | 204 | Enforcement missions |
| Marine Patrol Hours | 91 | Water enforcement |
| Agriculture Inspections | Significant volume | Protecting food supply |
Data source: CBP “On a Typical Day FY2024” Statistics, CBP Enforcement Data (January 2026)
On a typical day during FY2024, CBP conducted approximately 3,200-3,400 apprehensions between ports of entry and 3,682 enforcement encounters at ports of entry. Daily operations included arresting 135 wanted criminals (86 at POEs, 49 between POEs), performing 16 rescues, intercepting 5 fraudulent documents, discovering 247 pests, intercepting 3,586 quarantine materials, and flying 204 air hours plus 91 marine hours.
US Border Enforcement Policy Changes Statistics 2024-2025
| Policy Category | Implementation Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Proclamation | June 4, 2024 | 212(f) authority utilization |
| DHS-DOJ Interim Final Rule | June 4, 2024 | Enhanced consequences for illegal entry |
| Post-Proclamation Removals | 131,000+ (June 5-Sept 10) | To 140+ countries via 400+ flights |
| Expedited Removal | Tripled percentage | Record expedited processing levels |
| Releases Pending Court | 89% decrease | vs previous administration |
| CBP One Termination | January 20, 2025 | App-based appointments ended |
| Categorical Parole End | January 20, 2025 | Return to case-by-case review |
| Zero Catch-and-Release | January 21, 2025 forward | All apprehended detained and removed |
| DOD Border Support | January 2025 | Military personnel deployment |
| Jan 21-31 Apprehension Drop | 85% decrease | vs same period 2024 |
Data source: CBP Press Releases, DHS Fact Sheets, CBP Monthly Updates (January 2026)
Policy changes throughout 2024-2025 dramatically altered border enforcement. The June 4, 2024 Presidential Proclamation established enhanced consequences for unlawful crossings. From June 5-September 10, 2024, DHS removed 131,000+ individuals to 140+ countries via 400+ flights, while tripling expedited removal rates. January 20, 2025 brought sweeping changes: CBP One app termination, end of categorical parole programs, and implementation of zero catch-and-release policies. With Department of Defense support, these changes produced an 85% drop in Southwest border apprehensions from January 21-31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.