(The Center Square) — Maine border control officials say they apprehended an “unprecedented” number of individuals over the past year as illegal crossings along the northern border plummet.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Houlton Sector said as of Oct. 1 agents had apprehended 725 individuals illegally present in the United States, exceeding the prior record of 685 set in 2001. Despite the increase in apprehensions, the Houlton sector has reported an 80% decrease in illegal crossings along the U.S.-Canada border in Maine and has had no known “gotaways” since January, the agency said.
In a statement, CBP officials attributed the “historic” immigration enforcement milestones to “strategic resource allocation to vulnerable areas, improved infrastructure, enhanced enforcement posture, and prioritizing frontline operations that place agents in enforcement roles.” The agency said it also reflects the “collaboration and support of federal, state, local, and international partners.”
“This is about more than numbers; it’s about safeguarding national security,” CBP Chief Patrol Agent Derrick Stamper said in a statement. “Every apprehension disrupts potential threats, from human smuggling networks to individuals with illicit intentions, ensuring that Maine’s communities and the entire United States remain safe from those seeking to exploit our borders.”
The agency didn’t release specific details about the individuals or whether they were deported or remain in detention awaiting immigration proceedings, but said those apprehended included members of transnational criminal gangs like MS-13, SATG, and Tren de Aragua, as well as an individual with an Interpol Red Notice for murder.
CBP said the Houlton Sector is making historic advancements in border security, denying criminal organizations the opportunity to operate, and ensuring the safety of communities across the nation.
“To anyone considering illegal entry into the United States: we will find you, we will apprehend you, and you will face the full consequences of your actions under the law,” Stamper said. “Our borders are not open invitations for illegal activities; they are lines we defend with resolve.”
Nationwide, illegal border crossings in 2025 plunged to the lowest level since 1970 following an aggressive immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Border Patrol recorded about 238,000 migrant apprehensions in the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, which is dramatically less than the 1.5 million apprehensions in fiscal 2024, the agency said recently.
Migration at the U.S.-Mexico border peaked under the Biden administration at over 2 million apprehensions in 2022 and 2023, which observers say helped sweep President Donald Trump back to the White House for a second term.
