Trump Border Arrests Drop Sharply While Biden Numbers Soared

In fiscal 2026, Border Patrol detained illegal immigrants numbering just under 98,701. At least 59 years have passed since the annual total reached this low point. The drop represents a 95 percent decrease from the 2.2 million arrests made in 2022.

Leaked government data set for release soon reveals these stark contrasts. According to the Washington Examiner, the 2026 figure covers the period from October 2025 through September 2026. Agents encountered an average of 8,225 people each month. That is far less than the 183,000 caught monthly just four years ago.

The southern border saw most of these arrests. Historical trends show this area usually accounts for over 90 percent of all illegal entries. The 1967 nationwide total was the only time the number was lower than 98,701. Between 2010 and 2020, annual arrests usually stayed between 300,000 and 500,000. The recent drop breaks that long pattern of high numbers.

Internal numbers from Customs and Border Protection were obtained by the Washington Examiner on Tuesday. They show a dramatic shift in enforcement results compared to the previous administration. Millions arrived in the U.S. during the crisis the Biden administration confronted, with Roughly 5 million released into the country from the border then. Parole programs enabled hundreds of thousands to fly in from abroad as well.

Meanwhile, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar launched a criminal investigation. He is targeting Trump supporters who engaged with protesters at a recent rally. The event took place on October 7 at the Joe Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio. More than a thousand hopeful attendees watched on a jumbotron outside the venue.

Several hundred protesters waved signs critical of the administration outside the event. Agitators inside shouted at Trump and other attendees who were listening to the speakers. Authorities removed about 18 agitators who attempted to disrupt the event. They issued two warnings for criminal trespass but made no arrests. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office confirmed that no arrests were made at the event.

Salazar's office started a social media campaign on Monday to identify people involved. The Sheriff's Office stated it remains unaware if any crimes were committed yet. They are launching the campaign to determine if any rally-goers violated the law. Sheriff Salazar described the incidents as not major but promised to investigate.

Salazar previously investigated migrant flights from San Antonio to Martha's Vineyard in 2022. That program moved released migrants away from border cities into sanctuary cities. Gonzales's prosecutors interviewed thirteen migrants listed as victims in that case. The report noted, "not a single person said they boarded the plane under fear or intimidation."

Prosecutors' summary indicated that none claimed they acted against their free will or choice. This finding contrasts with the claims made by the sheriff during his earlier investigation. The report noted that massive Floridian support existed for the relocation program. Salazar filed criminal charges over the program alleging migrants were lured with falsified promises.