U.S. southern border apprehensions dropped to unprecedented lows in June, with Homeland Security officials attributing the decline to President Trump’s enforcement measures and renewed border security policies.

Border Apprehensions and “Gotaways” Hit Historic Lows

Southern border encounters in June 2025 fell to their lowest levels in decades, according to data released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The month saw just 6,070 apprehensions at the southern border—a figure described as less than a single day’s total during the Biden administration. Nationwide, only 8,039 apprehensions were recorded, breaking the previous low set in March.

White House border czar Tom Homan highlighted the sharp contrast, posting on X that the number represents a 15% decline from March and a dramatic drop from periods during the Biden administration, such as December 2023, when daily encounters often reached 11,000. “As a matter of fact, the total number of encounters is less than half of a single day under Biden on many days. Also, none of the 6,070 were released into the U.S. ZERO,” Homan wrote. He praised the “Trump effect” and called the current state “the most secure border in the history of the nation.”

CBP data also show that the number of “gotaways”—migrants who evade capture—fell by 90% compared to June of the previous year. On June 28 alone, only 137 apprehensions were reported, the lowest single-day number in approximately 25 years. Total encounters nationwide, including all U.S. borders, dropped to 25,243 for the month, marking a 12% decrease from the previous record low in February 2025.

Administration Credits Policies, Debates Continue in Washington

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attributed the trend to President Trump’s policies and renewed authority for Border Patrol agents. “The numbers don’t lie—under President Trump’s leadership, DHS and CBP have shattered records and delivered the most secure border in American history. The world is hearing our message: the border is closed to law breakers,” Noem stated. She emphasized that agents are now empowered to enforce immigration laws and protect the American public.

The change follows Trump’s deployment of troops to the border shortly after taking office and renewed construction on the border wall—projects largely paused under the previous administration. Officials note that none of those apprehended in June were released into the U.S., reflecting a stricter approach to border enforcement.

The drop in illegal crossings and “gotaways” comes as Congress considers new legislation. The House is set to finalize the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which allocates billions of dollars for border security and increased resources for agencies like ICE and Border Patrol.

While debate continues over deportation efforts and long-term solutions, the current numbers mark a turning point in U.S. border policy. The contrast with previous years remains stark, and officials maintain that “the Trump effect” is driving sustained, record-low levels of illegal immigration at America’s southern border.