Story perspectives

Trump Administration Reports Zero Parole Releases, Declines Border Encounters

1/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced eight consecutive months of zero parole releases, per DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
In December 2025, Customs and Border Protection reported 30,698 encounters, a 92% decline from the Biden administration peak.
DHS awarded a $1.7 billion contract for border barriers and technology in New Mexico.
Critics, including U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, call for more surveillance technology over walls, citing environmental concerns.

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Story summary

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced eight consecutive months of zero parole releases, per DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
In December 2025, Customs and Border Protection reported 30,698 encounters, a 92% decline from the Biden administration peak.
DHS awarded a $1.7 billion contract for border barriers and technology in New Mexico.
Critics, including U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, call for more surveillance technology over walls, citing environmental concerns.