The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Thursday that, as of July 2026, they have achieved 15 consecutive months without any releases at the border. This milestone is hailed by the Trump administration as a significant triumph in migration control not seen in recent history.
The "zero release" policy effectively ends the "catch and release" practice, in which Border Patrol would detain undocumented migrants only to release them within the U.S. while they awaited immigration hearings.
Since the policy's full implementation in May 2025, no migrants apprehended at the border have been released directly into the U.S. interior.
Border Apprehensions and Drug Seizures
In July 2026, apprehensions at the southwest border totaled 9,295, marking a 6% decline from June and a staggering 94% drop compared to the monthly average during the Biden administration. Nationwide, the Border Patrol detained 11,298 individuals in July, reflecting a 1% decrease from the previous month.
"Once again this month, the evidence is clear: President Trump's border security agenda is restoring order and prioritizing the safety of the American people," declared DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. "We have the most secure border in history."
Rodney S. Scott, the CBP Commissioner, credited the results to a blend of clear policy, stringent law enforcement, and dedicated personnel at the border.
Impact on Cuban Community
The policy's impact on the Cuban community has been harsh. A Cato Institute analysis noted a 463% increase in ICE detentions of Cubans from October 2024 to January 2026. Nationally, the asylum approval rate for Cubans plummeted to 7%, with over 4,000 Cubans ordered deported in Florida alone between October 2025 and June 2026.
Additionally, more than 4,353 Cubans have been deported to Mexico as a third country from January 2025 to March 2026, according to Human Rights Watch data.
Administration's Achievements and Drug Seizures
The White House spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, highlighted this achievement on her official X account, praising it as a cornerstone of Trump's administration.
In drug enforcement, CBP reported seizures in July of 1,054 pounds of fentanyl, a 3% increase from June, and 79 pounds of heroin, a 20% increase over the previous month. Overall, drug seizures in July 2026 were 26% higher than in July 2024, with a cumulative increase of 54% compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
The fiscal year 2025 concluded with nearly 238,000 apprehensions at the southwest border, the lowest level since 1970, which the Trump administration cites as proof of structurally transforming the nation’s migration control.
FAQs on Trump's Border Policy and Its Impact
What is the "zero release" policy?
The "zero release" policy ends the practice of "catch and release," where undocumented migrants were detained and then released into the U.S. while awaiting immigration hearings.
How has this policy affected the Cuban community?
The policy has significantly impacted the Cuban community, with a 463% increase in ICE detentions and a sharp decline in asylum approval rates to 7%.
What have been the trends in border apprehensions?
Border apprehensions have significantly decreased, with July 2026 numbers 94% lower than the monthly average during the Biden administration.