Securing the Border

Zero. That’s how many illegal aliens were released into the United States in May and June of 2025. That’s a stunning change from last year when more than 62,000 illegals were released into the country by the Biden Administration in May 2024 alone.

Not only that, but border encounters by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are at all-time lows. According to the CBP, in June, only 9,026 illegal immigrants encounters were recorded at the Southwestern border. That’s down from more than 130,000 at the same time last year. Only 25,228 total encounters were recorded nationwide in June.

The President’s policies are clearly working, but we’ve got to get additional resources to the border so we put a stop to illegal immigration once and for all. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing in Congress.

With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, more help is on the way to stem the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs. The border wall will finally be under construction once again, with funding to build hundreds of new miles, as well additional barriers in the water. Border agents will get enhanced technology so they can see who and what’s coming. And the illegal immigrants who flowed into the country under Joe Biden will be sent home.

While we’ve got to build the wall and shut down the flow of illegals and drugs on our land border, we also have to secure our maritime border. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is focused on doing exactly that, intercepting illegal aliens trying to enter the country on the water. Just last year, they also confiscated over 275,000 pounds of illicit drugs that were headed for our shores. 

That’s why I made sure to include in the One Big Beautiful Bill a $24.6 billion investment in the Coast Guard, so they are able to better protect our border and national security. As the Chair of the Transportation Committee, I was proud to include that much needed funding so we could get the Coast Guard the equipment they need to do their jobs. Without reliable ships, helicopters and airplanes, it’s much harder for them to stop illegal immigrants and drugs.

We didn’t stop there though. The House also passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act, building on the investment in the One Big Beautiful Bill and giving the Coast Guard ongoing support so they can fully carry out their mission.

The change we’re seeing isn’t a coincidence; it’s undoubtedly thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the resources we’ve put towards securing the border. This is what the American people demanded and I’m glad the job is finally getting done. 

Sincerely,

Sam Graves