A data-driven guide to
Border security and enforcement
Intro
Border security involves the regulation and monitoring of a country's borders to manage both legal and illegal entry, prevent criminal activities, and ensure national safety. Explore the data behind border security, from unauthorized entries to illegal activities.
Unauthorized entry
Grasp the scope of migrant encounters on the southern border and the number of undocumented residents of the US.
- SOUTHERN BORDER ENCOUNTERSIn March 2026, there were 8.3K border encounters along the US-Mexico border.Source: US Customs and Border Protection
- DeportationsAs of November 2024, 678K people were repatriated from the US in 2024.Source: US Department of Homeland Security
- Unauthorized immigrationIn 2022, an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants lived in the USSource: US Department of Homeland Security
Border enforcement
Federal law enforcement monitors who and what is coming into the country. Explore how it addresses previously convicted criminals and the drug trade.
- Arrests of border crossersIn FY 2024, 1.1% of people apprehended at US borders had a prior criminal conviction.Source: US Customs and Border Protection
- Fentanyl at the BorderAs of April 2026, authorities seized approximately 3327.0 pounds of fentanyl at US borders in 2026.Source: US Customs and Border Protection
