Story perspectives

DHS reports zero releases, arrests plunge, drug seizures soar

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

DHS announced a year with no releases of apprehensions, crediting President Donald Trump.
Border Patrol saw a 94 percent drop in apprehensions versus Biden era.
CBP seized 61 percent more cocaine, meth, heroin and fentanyl than in FY 2024 while Secretary of State Marco Rubio entered China with a spelling change bypassing a travel ban.
Attorney General James Uthmeier subpoenaed the NFL for Rooney Rule wording changes he says soften minority-hiring language.

History

Historical Context

Operation Gatekeeper, announced by Attorney General Janet Reno on September 17 1994 and launched October 1, sought to “restore integrity” to the San Diego sector. By 1997 Congress had doubled INS funding to $800 million and nearly doubled Border Patrol agents, sharply cutting crossings. The initiative built on earlier 20th-century fence expansions and set a precedent for later enforcement surges under presidents Clinton and Trump.

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Story summary

DHS announced a year with no releases of apprehensions, crediting President Donald Trump.
Border Patrol saw a 94 percent drop in apprehensions versus Biden era.
CBP seized 61 percent more cocaine, meth, heroin and fentanyl than in FY 2024 while Secretary of State Marco Rubio entered China with a spelling change bypassing a travel ban.
Attorney General James Uthmeier subpoenaed the NFL for Rooney Rule wording changes he says soften minority-hiring language.

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