Fact Check: Is the claim migrant encounters at US-Mexico border lowest in 50 years true?
WASHINGTON, DC: Migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border have dropped dramatically during President Donald Trump's second term, which started on January 20, 2025, as compared to the earlier administration.
After the completion of the first year of Trump's second run as POTUS, a rumor circulated online claiming that migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border were the lowest in 50 years. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.
Claim: Migrant encounters at US-Mexico border lowest in 50 years
Several social media posts suggested that migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border have been the lowest in 50 years.
A post by an X user @johngramlich read, "NEW from @pewresearch: Border Patrol encounters with migrants crossing into the US from Mexico have fallen to their lowest annual level in more than 50 years."
Similarly, Pew Research Center also wrote, "Border Patrol encounters with migrants crossing into the U.S. from Mexico have fallen to their lowest level in more than 50 years. The decline in encounters follows a series of policy changes on both sides of the border during both the Biden and Trump administrations."
A table was attached to the post that showed migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border in 2025 were at 237,538, whereas the table showed the highest encounters were in 2022, with more than 2,206,436 encounters.
Fact check: True, official reports back the claim
The claims made in the online rumors are true, as official data backs the claim. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also shared the report on its website, making the same claim.
Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem said, "Once again, we have a record low number of encounters at the border and the 7th straight month of zero releases. Month after month, we are delivering results that were once thought impossible: the most secure border in history and unmatched enforcement successes."
"Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the dedication of DHS law enforcement, America’s borders are safer than ever before," she added.
Moreover, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott mentioned, "Our focus is unwavering: secure the border, enforce the law, and protect this nation. These numbers reflect the tireless efforts of our agents and officers who are delivering results that redefine border security. We’re not slowing down. We’re setting the pace for the future."
As per the official data, there were 60,940 total encounters nationwide in October-November 2025 – lower than any prior fiscal year to date. The stat is 28% lower than the previous low of 84,293 in FY 2012.
DHS mentioned on its website that the department remains committed to delivering results that safeguard the nation, secure the border, and uphold the rule of law.
