U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that migrant apprehensions along the southern border dropped by 93% compared to April 2024.
Throughout April 2025, Border Patrol recorded 8,383 apprehensions. This time last year, there were 128,895 recorded apprehensions.
Only five illegal immigrants were temporarily allowed into the United States for court cases, a significant drop from the estimated 68,000 in April 2024.
Discussing drug seizures, CBP said there was a 15% increase from March to April in authorities obtaining cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana. Authorities seized 758 pounds of fentanyl alone in April.
The CBP report further noted the successful Operation Tidal Wave, which has been described as the “largest joint immigration operation in Florida history.” The operation led to 1,120 criminal arrests in one week.
“For the first time in years, more agents are back in the field—patrolling territories that CBP didn’t have the bandwidth or manpower to oversee just six months ago,” said Acting Commissioner of CBP Pete Flores. “But thanks to this administration’s dramatic shift in security posture at our border, we are now seeing operational control becoming a reality—and it’s only just beginning.”
Flores noted last month that migrant apprehensions throughout the entirety of March were lower than the “first two days of March 2024.”
“This is a testament to the tireless dedication and vigilant service of the men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who work every day to keep our country safe,” he said at the time. “Their commitment on the front lines plays a vital role in securing our borders and protecting American communities.”
