Migrant encounters at the Southwest border rose 11% in May, driven by increases in single adults and unaccompanied children, while federal officials highlighted historically low crossing levels compared with 2024 and a sharp rise in fentanyl seizures.
The number of migrants encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents were nearly 10,000 in May, up 11% from April, and the Rio Grande Valley Sector had the most migrants trying to cross the border into the United States, new data released Friday shows.
US Customs and Border Protection reports there were 9,998 migrants encountered by agents on the Southwest border in May, up from 8,960 encounters in April.
That’s significantly down from 117,905 migrant encounters by agents in May 2024 during the Biden administration.
Single adults encountered by agents increased by over 800 in May, and 773 unaccompanied children tried to cross into the United States — that’s the most unaccompanied minors reported trying to cross the border alone since October.
The Rio Grande Valley Sector of South Texas continued to have the most encounters among the nine sectors in May, with 1,978, up 10% from 1,796 in April, according to CBP data.
“We are delivering the most secure border in American history,” Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said.
Mullin said this was the 13th consecutive month of zero releases at the border.
“The days of catch and release are over,” Mullins said in a statement. “We are enforcing the nation’s laws and quickly sending illegal aliens back to their home countries, ensuring the safety and sovereignty of our nation.”
CBP also reports an increase in May of illegal drugs confiscated by officers and agents.
Fentanyl seizures increased 72% from April, with 795 pounds seized in May 2026, the agency says.
And seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and marijuana (combined, by weight) increased 32% from May 202, CBP reports.
