World · North America · 3 hrs ago
US embassy says border arrests fell 95% in 12 months
US Ambassador Ronald Johnson said US Border Patrol arrests on the southwest border fell 95% over the past 12 months.
The US embassy in Mexico credited closer US-Mexico cooperation on security, migration and border monitoring.
The embassy said the figure was the lowest annual level recorded and that September was the 17th consecutive month with no releases of migrants into US communities under a “zero releases” policy.
It also said joint efforts helped Mexico seize more than 500 metric tons of illegal drugs and contributed to a 40% drop in US overdose deaths from their peak.
The embassy described these measures as part of a wider effort against drug and weapons trafficking, cartels and human smuggling.
The United States says cooperation with Mexico will continue to disrupt criminal networks, secure the border and support legitimate trade and investment.
The US Embassy in Mexico said Border Patrol arrests on the US southwest border fell 95% over the past 12 months.
The embassy attributed the drop to security and border-monitoring cooperation between Mexico and the United States.
It said the annual total was the lowest on record.
Ambassador Ronald Johnson also reported drug seizures, arrests and extraditions as results of the joint efforts.
- Who
- The US Embassy in Mexico and Ambassador Ronald Johnson reported the figures.
- What
- The embassy said Border Patrol arrests on the US southwest border fell 95% over 12 months.
- When
- Johnson made the statement on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- The reported drop was on the US southwest border.
- Why
- The embassy attributed it to security, migration and border-monitoring cooperation between Mexico and the United States.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The embassy said it was the 17th consecutive month with no releases of migrants into communities under the stated policy.
Ambassador Ronald Johnson reported a 95% drop in Border Patrol arrests over the previous 12 months.
- Border Patrol arrests
- Down 95% over 12 months
- Record
- Lowest annual level recorded, according to the embassy
- No-release policy
- 17 consecutive months through September 2026
- Drug seizures in Mexico
- More than 500 metric tons, including more than 9.5 million fentanyl pills
- Extraditions to the United States
- 96 people, according to the embassy
What people are saying
zero releases