DHS reports record low border apprehensions and zero catch‑and‑release in fiscal 2026
The Department of Homeland Security announced on Oct. 16, 2026 that fiscal year 2026 closed with the lowest recorded illegal‑immigrant apprehensions and zero catch‑and‑release cases at the southwestern border.
The figures signal a dramatic reversal from the prior administration’s numbers. DHS reported 98,708 apprehensions across the southwest border for the year, roughly 95% below the more than 1.8 million annual average seen during the Biden years. That works out to about 270 arrests per day, compared with roughly 5,000 per day under the previous average.
Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin praised the outcome, stating that the data proved “strong enforcement works.” He highlighted the agency’s first full fiscal year without any migrants released into the United States, noting that September marked the 17th consecutive month without releases.
Retired Border Patrol chief Chris Clem, who oversaw the Yuma sector, said the turnaround stems from a combination of increased personnel, infrastructure, technology and the prospect of deportation. Clem recalled the surge in December 2021, when daily illegal crossings in Yuma swelled to 1,500, overwhelming agents and spilling into nearby communities.
Interior enforcement also contributed to the decline. Border czar Tom Homan pointed to record‑setting ICE removal activity, citing a recent single‑day deportation total that surpassed any figure from the previous administration. Homan said interior operations add a “second layer” that discourages migrants from attempting the crossing.
Despite the success, Clem warned that the gains could be vulnerable to future policy changes. He cautioned that a shift in congressional control or a new presidential administration might reverse funding decisions or re‑introduce catch‑and‑release practices.
The Department indicated that final FY2026 numbers are still being verified, and officials will continue to monitor border activity as the administration refines its enforcement strategy.
