Snow City University’s non-profit organization, the Government Records Exchange Center (TRAC), recently released statistics based on the US Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) entry inspection data for February this year, showing a significant decrease in the number of illegal border crossings into the US. Two-thirds of the illegal entrants were voluntarily returned and faced no punitive actions.
According to TRAC’s analysis of the entry inspection data conducted by the field operations office (OFO) under the US Customs and Border Protection, a specific focus was placed on individuals lacking proper entry documentation.
In February 2025, the number of undocumented individuals attempting to cross the border dropped by 82% compared to the final month of the Biden administration in December 2024. Only 11,973 individuals attempted entry without valid documents, with 1,263 being family members, including 87 unaccompanied children. Approximately 66% (8,007 individuals) were refused entry, most of whom were allowed to voluntarily withdraw their application without facing penalties or deportation, thus avoiding having a removal record.
Fourteen percent of individuals were subject to expedited removal and are banned from re-entering the US for several years.
Thirty-three percent (3,843 individuals) were granted entry, primarily those who had received advance parole. These individuals had previously been in the US and attempted to return after leaving the country, with their entry ultimately determined by border officials on the spot.
Advance parole is a temporary travel permit issued by immigration authorities to certain non-citizens, allowing them to return to the US after departing without losing their immigration status application eligibility. It is not a visa or green card but serves as a temporary entry document.
The tolerance for undocumented border crossings has significantly decreased. In August 2023, US immigration courts received 180,000 Notices to Appear (NTA) issued by the Department of Homeland Security. Presently, illegal entrants are largely refused or deported without court appearances.
Only a minuscule number of illegal entrants are ultimately granted entry and served with NTAs to appear in immigration court for asylum or other claims. In February this year, only 465 individuals received an NTA.
In December of last year, 44,236 NTAs were issued by border enforcement agencies. By August 2023, US immigration courts had received 180,000 NTAs issued by the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, illegal entrants are almost uniformly refused entry or deported.