July border apprehensions rise yet remain far below historic peaks

According to data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, July recorded 33,799 illegal border apprehensions, marking the highest monthly figure since January. The increase is largely attributed to a higher number of migrants intercepted while trying to cross from Canada, with 6,594 apprehensions at the northern border—more than 1,600 above the previous month and nearly double the November count. Despite this rise, the figures remain dramatically lower than the 245,154 apprehensions in July 2023 and 170,180 in July 2024.

At the southwest border, 12,730 individuals were detained, a slight dip from June but still far below the 183,556 recorded in July 2023. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott credited robust enforcement policies for the sustained decline, noting that daily apprehensions are down 94% from the prior administration. The agency also reported higher drug seizures in July, including over 1,000 pounds of fentanyl and 79 pounds of heroin.