U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its operational statistics for January 2025 on Wednesday, showcasing significant progress in border security, narcotics interdiction, and trade enforcement.
The data reflects the impact of the Trump administration’s aggressive implementation of executive orders to secure the nation’s borders and safeguard communities.
“The men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are tirelessly executing the President’s directives to protect our borders and ensure the safety of all Americans,” said Acting Commissioner Pete Flores. “The dramatic reduction in illegal border crossings, coupled with increased repatriations, allows our officers and agents to focus on their core mission: securing our borders and keeping our nation safe.”
CBP reported an 85% drop in U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border from January 21 to January 31, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This decline is attributed to the agency’s shift away from “catch and release” policies, instead prioritizing the detention and rapid removal of individuals attempting to enter the country illegally.
“Illegal aliens are being arrested, detained, and then rapidly removed,” Flores emphasized. “The message is clear: do not make the journey, or you will be detained and removed.”
CBP has also ended the use of the CBP One app for scheduling appointments and terminated categorical parole programs, returning to case-by-case reviews based on statutory criteria.
As a result, encounters with inadmissible aliens at southwest border ports of entry dropped 93% in the 11 days following January 20 compared to the previous 11 days.
CBP’s collaboration with the Department of Defense (DOD) has bolstered border security efforts. DOD’s support has enabled increased patrols along international borders, further deterring illegal crossings and enhancing national security.
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CBP continues to play a critical role in intercepting illicit drugs before they reach American communities. In January 2025, the agency seized 1,029 pounds of fentanyl and reported a 15% increase in methamphetamine seizures. Over the past two fiscal years, CBP has confiscated nearly 50,000 pounds of fentanyl—enough to produce more than 2 billion lethal doses.
While enhancing enforcement, CBP has also streamlined lawful trade and travel. Air travel to the U.S. increased by 4.5% from January 2024 to January 2025, while passenger vehicles and commercial trucks processed at ports of entry each saw a 2.5% rise. Pedestrian arrivals by land increased by 0.4%.
CBP encourages travelers to utilize its mobile applications, such as Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control, to expedite entry processes.
On the trade front, CBP processed over 2.9 million entry summaries valued at more than 338 billion in January, identifying nearly 7.9 billion in estimated duties owed to the U.S. government.
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