U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its operational statistics for Fiscal Year 2024, providing a comprehensive update on enforcement measures, drug interdiction, and border security. The agency reported a significant decline in southwest border encounters while achieving record-breaking results in combating narcotics smuggling, particularly focusing on opioids like fentanyl.
Border Security and Migration Management
CBP’s enhanced border security measures, enacted after the June 5 Presidential Proclamation on Securing the Border, resulted in a sharp reduction in unlawful crossings. From June through September 2024, encounters at the southwest border between ports of entry dropped by over 55%, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) tripled its processing of noncitizens for expedited removal. This has also led to an 80% reduction in the number of individuals released pending immigration proceedings.
The impact of these efforts has been significant. DHS removed or returned more than 160,000 individuals from over 145 countries since June 5. Preliminary data for Fiscal Year 2024 shows DHS completed over 700,000 removals and returns, the highest number since 2010. Additionally, “gotaways” – individuals who entered the U.S. without being apprehended by CBP – decreased by approximately 60% compared to the previous fiscal year.
On the northern border, expanded enforcement led to a 50% reduction in Border Patrol encounters between June and September.
CBP One™ App and Lawful Entry Initiatives
The CBP One™ app continues to play a crucial role in providing a lawful, safe pathway for migrants. The app, which allows noncitizens to schedule appointments at ports of entry, has drastically reduced the number of migrants attempting dangerous crossings. In September 2024 alone, over 44,600 individuals were processed through CBP One™. Since its introduction in January 2023, more than 852,000 individuals have used the app to enter the U.S. legally, avoiding smugglers and perilous journeys.
The CBP One™ app has been particularly beneficial for migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, and Haiti, who make up the majority of those processed through the platform.
Combating Narcotics Smuggling
CBP made significant strides in its battle against fentanyl and other dangerous narcotics. The agency’s aggressive efforts, supported by enhanced partnerships and operations like Operation Apollo, have led to the seizure of nearly 50,000 pounds of fentanyl over the last two fiscal years. In 2024 alone, CBP seized over 22,000 pounds of fentanyl, a 31% increase compared to the previous year.
Methamphetamine seizures also surged, with more than 173,000 pounds confiscated, marking a 24% increase over FY 2023. In total, CBP seized 128,300 pounds of methamphetamine, 25,000 pounds of cocaine, and 840 pounds of heroin under Operation Apollo.
Facilitating Trade and Travel
CBP continues to streamline travel and trade processes with technological innovations. The Global Entry mobile app, now available at 47 airports, allows travelers to complete their entry processing on their phones, significantly reducing congestion and processing times. From September 2023 to September 2024, air travel into the U.S. increased by 4.8%, pedestrian border crossings grew by 6.6%, and passenger vehicle and commercial truck entries saw similar growth.
On the trade front, CBP processed more than 2.9 million entry summaries in September, representing merchandise valued at over $296.1 billion, with nearly $7.6 billion in duties collected for the U.S. government.
Enforcement Against Forced Labor and Counterfeit Goods
CBP remains committed to eliminating goods made with forced labor from entering the U.S. In September 2024, the agency detained 425 shipments valued at more than $65 million for examination under forced labor regulations, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. The agency also seized over 1,800 shipments of counterfeit goods valued at $366 million, protecting consumers from fraudulent and potentially harmful products.
Defending Agricultural Security
CBP’s agriculture specialists play a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s food supply. In September 2024, the agency issued more than 6,800 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products, preventing biosecurity threats from entering the country.
Overall, Fiscal Year 2024 demonstrated CBP’s strengthened enforcement capabilities and ongoing efforts to secure U.S. borders, protect communities, and facilitate lawful trade and travel.–News Desk