The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, announced this Wednesday that June recorded the lowest number of encounters and detentions at the United States border since records have been kept, establishing a new historical record in the country's immigration control.
“Numbers don't lie: under President Trump's leadership, the DHS and CBP have set records and secured the safest border in the history of the United States. The world is receiving our message: the border is closed to those who break the law,” Noem stated on the social media platform X.
According to data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in June there were 25,243 encounters nationwide, which is a 12% decrease from the previous record set in February of this year, also under President Donald Trump. This figure represents an 89% reduction compared to the monthly average from 2021 to 2024.
In the southwestern border, Border Patrol detentions fell to 6,070, a 15% decrease compared to March 2025. Additionally, on June 28, a historic low of just 137 apprehensions was reached across the southwestern border, the lowest in a single day in the last 25 years.
For the second consecutive month, the Border Patrol did not release any undocumented immigrants within the country, eliminating the “catch and release” policy which, according to authorities, encouraged illegal crossings.
The "gotaways" —migrants who evade authorities— also decreased by 90% compared to June 2024.
Context: the numbers from May and their impact on Cuban migrants
In May 2025, U.S. authorities had already reported a drastic change in trend: the Border Patrol did not release any undocumented immigrants within the country, whereas in May 2024 more than 62,000 people were released after being apprehended.
The decrease in illegal crossings at the southwest border reached a 93% reduction, with only 8,725 encounters compared to more than 117,000 in the same month of 2024.
This stricter control policy is particularly affecting Cuban migrants: in May 2025, only 150 Cubans were detected attempting to enter the U.S. irregularly, a tiny number compared to the 25,968 in May 2022 or the 9,465 in May 2023.
What does this mean for Cuban migrants?
The tightening of immigration policies and the strengthening of border security under the Trump administration have drastically reduced the chances for Cubans to cross the southern border, which has historically been one of their main routes to the U.S.
The decline in the numbers confirms the closing off of options for those trying to arrive without documents and reflects a much more restrictive scenario for irregular migration in general.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Record of Border Crossings in the U.S. and Its Impact on Cuban Migrants
What is the lowest number of border crossings recorded in the U.S.?
In June 2025, the U.S. recorded 25,243 border encounters, the lowest figure in the country's history, representing a 12% decrease from the previous record set in February 2025.
How has this reduction impacted Cuban migrants?
The tightening of immigration policies has drastically reduced the opportunities for Cubans to enter. In May 2025, only 150 Cubans were detected attempting to enter irregularly into the U.S., a figure significantly lower compared to previous years.
What measures has the Trump administration implemented to reduce illegal crossings?
The Trump administration has implemented enhanced border security measures that include the elimination of the "catch and release" policy, the deployment of troops at the border, and the reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy.
What effect has the militarization of the border had?
The militarization of the border has contributed to a significant decrease in illegal crossings. More than 9,000 soldiers have been deployed to support surveillance and control efforts, resulting in a 96% drop in border crossings.
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