Illegal crossings of the Texas-Mexico border in the Big Bend Sector have fallen this year.
The Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector in West Texas reported only 3,096 apprehensions in FY 2025 – a 74% decline from 11,823 apprehensions in FY 2023, according to a recent press release from Customs and Border Protection. The sector spans 517 miles of the southwest border, accounting for roughly 25% of the Mexican border.
“The decrease in illegal entries is a testament to strong border policy, as well as the tireless efforts of our agents, support personnel, and partners like the Department of War and Texas Military Department,” said Big Bend Sector Chief Lloyd Easterling in the release.
Illegal alien encounters in the Big Bend Sector have fallen dramatically from 1,523 in November FY 2023 to just 282 in November FY 2025, according to official CBP data.
Law enforcement in the sector has been using personnel, technology, and infrastructure to secure the border, according to the release.
Officials attributed this to greater detection and identification capabilities, including 55 autonomous surveillance towers. They also attributed it to policy shifts, like expanding enforcement for Title 8 – which governs immigration expulsion – and ending “catch and release policies.”
Border Patrol officials pledged to continue boosting enforcement, disrupting Mexican drug cartel smuggling networks, and ensuring safety.
“The men and women of Big Bend Sector have shown resolve, expertise and heart,” Easterling said. “They conduct their border security mission with great skill while operating in some of the most rugged terrain in the country.”
Meanwhile, border encounters with illegal aliens across America have hit a historic low this fall, according to a December 4 release from CBP.
The number of encounters fell from October to November, with only 60,940 nationwide during that period, marking the lowest level in history at the start of this fiscal year. This follows seven months of the Border Patrol not releasing any illegal aliens into the country.
“We are delivering results that were once thought impossible: the most secure border in history and unmatched enforcement successes,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in the release. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than ever before.”
Immigration authorities had 30,367 border encounters nationwide in November, down from 30,573 in October, according to the release.
This was reportedly the “lowest start to a fiscal year ever.” In this timeframe, the total of 60,940 encounters was 28% lower than the previous low of 84,293 in FY 2012.
Meanwhile, Border Patrol has released zero illegals into the country for seven months straight, instead processing every apprehension according to the law.
Immigration enforcement made fewer apprehensions in 10 months under President Donald Trump than in one month under former President Joe Biden, according to the release. From January 21 through November, authorities recorded 117,105 total encounters at the southwest border, which is 37% fewer than the monthly average of 185,625 during Biden’s administration.
Every day, authorities have made 245 apprehensions on the southwest border – averaging less than 11 per hour. This was 95% lower than the daily average under Biden’s administration. In December 2023, officials apprehended 336 illegal aliens every hour.
Border enforcement has also made “record drug seizures,” according to the release. They have seized 54,947 pounds of drugs, with 1,543 pounds of fentanyl – enough to kill nearly 350 million people, more than America’s entire population – 21,935 pounds of meth, and 8,240 pounds of cocaine.
“Our focus is unwavering: secure the border, enforce the law, and protect this nation,” said CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott. “We’re not slowing down. We’re setting the pace for the future.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety discovered 23 illegal aliens hidden in a truck cab in La Salle County on November 28, as The Dallas Express reported. Earlier this summer, the Border Patrol also deployed a blimp over the Big Bend Sector to monitor illegal activity.
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