Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared on Friday that America’s border is now the “most secure” in history. This strong assertion follows an impressive eighth consecutive month of zero parole releases. In her post on X, Noem emphasized the latest Customs and Border Protection (CBP) numbers from December 2025, crediting President Trump and frontline law enforcement for yielding extraordinary results.
Noem remarked, “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than at any time in our nation’s history.” Her statement reflects the confidence that has emerged from the administration’s efforts, highlighting a significant turnaround in border security metrics. Last December, CBP documented zero parole releases, a stark contrast to the 7,041 releases recorded along the southwest border during December 2024 under the Biden administration.
With a record low number of border encounters, Noem asserted, “Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the 8th straight month of zero releases.” This indicates not only a strong enforcement approach but also the results that have followed. According to CBP figures, total nationwide encounters from October through December dropped to 91,603, marking the lowest on record for the beginning of a fiscal year. This figure is 25% below the previous record low set in 2012.
December alone saw just 30,698 encounters nationwide—an astonishing 92% drop from the highest numbers during the Biden administration, which peaked at 370,883. This December figure signifies the lowest total recorded for the month, illustrating a dramatic change in the current administration’s approach to border security.
Along the southwest border, Border Patrol reported only 21,815 apprehensions in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. This is a staggering 95% decrease compared to the Biden administration’s initial quarter average. In December, Border Patrol agents made 6,478 apprehensions, reflecting a 96% slip from monthly average numbers from the previous administration. This shows that the agents are actively engaged in delivering a solution to border security that has eluded the nation for so long.
While agents previously encountered alarming rates of illegal entries, they now average 209 apprehensions per day, a significant contrast to the overwhelming Biden-era levels, which surpassed that figure every 1.5 hours. According to CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott, “Our agents and officers have set a new standard for border security, achieving historic results that speak for themselves.” This statement reinforces the idea that the current methods and policies are yielding measurable success.
Moreover, CBP seized 39,030 pounds of illicit drugs nationwide in December, further underscoring law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring safety and security. Scott added, “The men and women of CBP are demonstrating what’s possible through unwavering commitment and effective enforcement and will continue to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s borders every single day.” This acknowledgment highlights the crucial role that dedicated professionals play in shaping America’s border security climate.
Secretary Noem’s announcement and the data shared reflect a notable shift in the dynamics of border security under the current administration. The dramatic decrease in encounters, along with the success in drug seizures, presents a picture of enhanced control that many have viewed as necessary for national security. As the border remains a hot-button issue, the ongoing performance of the DHS and CBP underlines the significance of firm policies in addressing illegal immigration and maintaining law and order.
"*" indicates required fields
