The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Thursday that the Trump administration has achieved 14 consecutive months without releasing any detained migrants at the southern U.S. border, according to data from June 2026.
End of "Catch and Release" Policy
The "zero releases" policy has effectively ended the practice known as "catch and release," where previous administrations would release detained migrants under parole programs or community supervision while awaiting asylum proceedings.
In December 2024, the last full month of the Biden era, 7,041 individuals were still being released monthly at the border; this number peaked at 62,000 in May 2024.
Since May 2025, the first full month following the implementation of Trump's new immigration policies, the number of releases has dropped to zero and has remained unchanged.
Record Low Border Crossings
"Another month of historically low illegal crossings demonstrates the success of President Trump's border security policies. We've gone from the worst border crisis in history to 14 consecutive months of zero releases at the border. Our border is closed to those who break the law," stated DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
June 2026 data reflects record lows in apprehensions. Border Patrol detentions at the southwest border totaled 9,848, a 94% decrease from the Biden administration's monthly average and 96% below the peak recorded in December 2023. This figure is less than what was apprehended in just four days during June 2024.
Nationwide, CBP's total encounters in June were 31,626, a 4% decrease from May. Year-to-date apprehensions for the fiscal year through June are 14% lower than the average monthly figures between fiscal years 1992 and 2024, putting fiscal year 2026 on track to record the fewest apprehensions since 1967.
Increased Drug Seizures Amid Decline in Migration
CBP Commissioner Rodney S. Scott emphasized the impact of strict law enforcement: "When laws are enforced, fewer people break them. CBP has established significant border security that has created sustained deterrence of illegal crossings."
Alongside the decrease in migration, drug seizures have seen significant increases. Combined confiscations of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana in June were 49% higher than in June 2024.
Seizures of fentanyl reached 1,072 pounds (a 42% increase from May), cocaine rose to 6,242 pounds (a 71% increase), and heroin reached 68 pounds (a 49% increase). In the fiscal year to date, drug seizures are 57% higher than the same period in fiscal year 2024.
White House Celebrates "Promises Kept"
The White House amplified the announcement on Friday via social media with the message "Promises made, promises kept," accompanied by an image of President Trump and the text: "Zero illegal immigrants admitted to the United States in the last 14 months."
The streak of zero releases has been progressively announced: six months in November 2025, eight in February 2026, 11 months in April 2026, 13 in June, and now 14, solidifying what the administration describes as the most secure border in decades.
Fiscal year 2025 concluded with 237,538 total encounters at the southwest border, the lowest level since 1970, when 201,780 were recorded.
FAQs on U.S. Border Security and Immigration Policies
What is the "zero releases" policy?
The "zero releases" policy refers to the Trump administration's approach of not releasing any detained migrants at the U.S. southern border, effectively ending the "catch and release" practice.
How have drug seizures changed under the new border policies?
Under the new border policies, drug seizures have increased significantly, with combined confiscations of major drugs being 49% higher than in previous years.
How have border crossings changed since the implementation of the new policies?
Border crossings have decreased dramatically, with apprehensions at the southwest border dropping by 94% compared to previous administration averages.