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White House and Media Clash Over Sharp Drop in Fentanyl Seizures at U.S.-Mexico Border

Analysts point to pre-inauguration declines tied to shifting smuggling routes as key factors behind the downturn in border fentanyl seizures.

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Overview

  • Government records show a 30% drop in fentanyl seizures at the southern border in the first half of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024, with related data indicating a 54% year-over-year decline.
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denounced The Washington Post’s “mysterious” headline and credited President Trump’s strengthened border measures for the seizure downturn.
  • The Washington Post reports that the decline began in late 2024 before President Trump took office, suggesting the trend predates his administration.
  • Independent analysts highlight that smugglers have adopted alternative routes and point to cartel infighting and precursor chemical shortages as additional drivers of reduced trafficking.
  • Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators have seized on the figures to praise Trump’s border policies and accuse major news outlets of bias in their coverage.