The United States Border Patrol did not release any undocumented immigrants within the country during May 2025, according to official data published this Tuesday by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
This figure marks a drastic change compared to May of the previous year, when over 62 thousand people were released after being detained at the southern border.
The announcement comes alongside a 93% decrease in illegal crossings at ports of entry along the southwest border, a decline that authorities have described as "historic."
In total, there were 8,725 encounters with irregular immigrants in that border section during May, compared to over 117,000 in the same month of 2024.
What does this mean for Cuban migrants?
Cubans are also feeling the impact of this stricter policy. In May 2025, only 150 citizens from Cuba were detected by the CBP attempting to enter without documents, a tiny figure compared to the 25,968 reported in May 2022 or the 9,465 in May 2023.
It is the fourth consecutive month with extremely low numbers for nationals from the island, reflecting the widespread tightening of immigration measures.
During the current fiscal year, which began in October 2024, the total number of encounters with Cubans barely amounts to 32,424, compared to 217,615 from the previous fiscal year and more than 200,000 recorded in 2023.
The decline has been drastic and coincides with the strengthening of control operations and the strict enforcement of Title 8, which allows for the immediate expulsion of those without a legal pathway to enter.
The message from the authorities
“The border numbers remain at historic lows, reinforcing the sustained success of our security initiatives,” stated Pete Flores, acting commissioner of CBP.
He attributed this decline to the "leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem," who – as he noted – have prioritized closing off irregular entry points into the country.
These data come days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that partially suspends the entry of Cuban citizens into the United States.
The new presidential proclamation imposes severe restrictions on tourist visas (B1/B2), student (F, M), and exchange (J) for Cuban citizens, which Trump justifies as a national security measure. The text argues that Cuba is “a state sponsor of terrorism” and that its government does not cooperate with U.S. authorities nor does it accept the repatriation of its deportable nationals.
As a result, the admission of Cubans with those visa categories is officially suspended, with few exceptions. The order also instructs consular officials to reduce the validity of other non-immigrant visas for citizens of the island, in an effort to further limit their mobility.
Although the order allows for exceptions for legal residents, individuals with already approved visas, and cases of "national interest," the impact of this measure—combined with the practical closure of the border—further limits the options for Cubans seeking a safe and legal pathway to the United States.
This decision revives the shadow of the so-called "immigration bans" from Trump's first term, which sparked protests, lawsuits, and intense social polarization.
Frequently Asked Questions about the United States Immigration Policy and Its Impact on Cuban Migrants
Why were irregular immigrants not released in the United States in May 2025?
No irregular immigrant was released in May 2025 due to the strict enforcement of immigration policies under the administration of Donald Trump. These policies have prioritized reducing illegal crossings and the immediate expulsion of those without a legal way to enter the country.
How have Trump's policies affected Cuban migrants?
The most restrictive policies of Trump have resulted in a drastic reduction of illegal crossings by Cubans into the United States. In May 2025, only 150 Cubans were detected attempting to enter without documentation, reflecting a significant tightening of immigration measures.
What are the new restrictions for Cuban citizens who want to obtain a visa for the U.S.?
The president Donald Trump signed an executive order that partially suspends the entry of Cuban citizens into the United States, severely restricting tourist, study, and exchange visas. This action is justified as a national security measure due to the lack of cooperation from the Cuban government with the U.S.
What is Title 8 and how does it affect Cuban migrants?
Title 8 is legislation that allows for the immediate expulsion of individuals who illegally enter the United States. The strict enforcement of this law has contributed to the decrease in illegal crossings of Cubans and other migrants at the country's southwest border.
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