Trump administration achieves fifth straight month of zero migrant releases

 October 7, 2025, NEWS

Under President Donald Trump's leadership, the Department of Homeland Security has marked a significant milestone by halting migrant releases into the U.S. interior for five consecutive months. This policy shift stands as a bold statement on border control.

As reported by Breitbart News, September was the fifth month in a row with no releases by Border Patrol along the southwest border. DHS officials highlighted this achievement, stating, “September marked the fifth consecutive month with ZERO releases by the Border Patrol along the southwest border, compared to 9,144 releases in September 2024.”

Contrast this with the previous administration's approach, where millions were allowed into the country’s heartland under a sprawling Catch and Release system. That policy, fueled by hefty federal contracts to non-governmental organizations, turned border management into a profitable enterprise for some. Trump's reversal of this practice signals a return to stringent enforcement.

Ending the Catch and Release Pipeline

The Biden era saw an explosion of migrant releases, with estimates suggesting millions entered the U.S. interior over four years. Reports like the one from Alliance for a Safe Texas exposed nearly $800 million funneled to groups such as Catholic Charities USA to sustain this flow.

Those funds, tied to federal agreements, incentivized a pipeline that prioritized volume over security. Trump's DHS has dismantled this network, cutting off the financial lifeblood that kept it running.

Critics of the prior administration argue this was less about compassion and more about politics, creating a system that rewarded lax oversight. Shutting it down isn’t just a policy win; it’s a recalibration of national priorities.

Historic Lows in Border Crossings

Fiscal Year 2025 wrapped up with southern border crossings at their lowest in over five decades, tallying under 238,000 migrants in the past 12 months. DHS officials point to this as proof of effective deterrence under Trump’s watch.

This isn’t a fluke but the result of deliberate, hard-nosed strategies that put enforcement first. The numbers speak louder than any campaign promise ever could.

While some may decry the approach as too rigid, the data suggests a border finally under control after years of chaos. It’s a rare moment where policy cuts through the noise of endless debate.

Restoring Order Amid Controversy

Trump’s zero-release stance has predictably drawn mixed reactions, with progressive voices likely to frame it as heartless. Yet, for many Americans weary of porous borders, it’s a long-overdue correction to a broken system.

The financial angle, especially the massive payouts to NGOs under Biden, raises questions about who truly benefited from unchecked migration. Was it the migrants, or the organizations cashing in on federal dollars?

This administration’s focus seems clear: secure the line, stop the incentives, and rebuild trust in border management. It’s a gamble that prioritizes sovereignty over optics, for better or worse.

A Policy Shift with Lasting Impact

Five months of zero releases and record-low crossings mark a defining chapter for Trump’s DHS. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about reasserting control in a sphere long plagued by indecision.

For those who’ve watched border policy swing like a pendulum, this feels like a firm planting of the flag. The question now is whether this momentum holds against inevitable pushback from advocates of looser restrictions.

In the end, Trump’s approach offers a stark contrast to the open-door policies of the past, aiming to redefine how America handles its frontiers. Whether it’s seen as a triumph or a tragedy depends on where you stand, but the impact is undeniable.

About Robert Cunningham

Robert is a conservative commentator focused on American politics and current events. Coverage ranges from elections and public policy to media narratives and geopolitical conflict. The goal is clarity over consensus.
Copyright © 2026 - CapitalismInstitute.org
A Project of Connell Media.
magnifier