Illegal Border Crossings by State 2026
Intercepted 2022
State | Intercepted 2022↓ | Estimated Immigrant Population | State Share Of All Immigrants | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Texas | 1,399,790 | 4,904,200 | 11% |
 | Arizona | 571,720 | 922,100 | |
 | California | 362,292 | 10,454,900 | 23% |
 | New Mexico | 143,857 | 193,200 | |
 | New York | 81,078 | 4,523,900 | 4% |
 | Florida | 35,349 | 4,478,400 | 10% |
 | Washington | 24,642 | 1,116,500 | 2% |
 | Illinois | 16,450 | 1,803,300 | 4% |
 | New Jersey | 14,735 | 2,115,100 | 5% |
 | Louisiana | 14,502 | 196,000 | |
 | District of Columbia | 11,989 | ||
 | Vermont | 9,934 | 28,000 | |
 | Maine | 9,749 | 49,300 | |
 | Michigan | 9,268 | 697,300 | 2% |
 | Georgia | 7,305 | 1,093,700 | 2% |
 | Pennsylvania | 6,347 | 924,600 | 2% |
 | Maryland | 4,368 | 946,000 | 2% |
 | Montana | 3,622 | 23,600 | |
 | Massachusetts | 3,384 | 1,209,700 | 3% |
 | South Carolina | 3,140 | 263,900 | 1% |
 | Virginia | 3,065 | 1,076,900 | 2% |
 | Hawaii | 2,511 | 264,700 | 1% |
 | North Carolina | 2,141 | 846,000 | 2% |
 | North Dakota | 2,127 | 34,000 | |
 | Alaska | 1,965 | 57,900 | |
 | Delaware | 1,855 | 94,600 | |
 | Alabama | 1,852 | 173,400 | |
 | Minnesota | 1,586 | 479,200 | 1% |
 | Oregon | 1,460 | 412,400 | 1% |
 | Nevada | 1,198 | 586,900 | 1% |
 | Mississippi | 1,075 | 68,600 | |
 | Colorado | 954 | 545,500 | 1% |
 | Ohio | 509 | 559,500 | 1% |
 | Utah | 426 | 273,400 | 1% |
 | Connecticut | 402 | 534,200 | 1% |
 | Rhode Island | 255 | ||
 | Idaho | 115 | 104,400 | |
 | New Hampshire | 81 | 82,900 | |
 | Missouri | 33 | 256,800 | 1% |
 | Wisconsin | 32 | 295,100 | 1% |
 | Tennessee | 18 | 365,400 | 1% |
 | Arkansas | 148,200 | ||
 | Indiana | 365,800 | 1% | |
 | Iowa | 173,900 | ||
 | Kansas | 205,100 | ||
 | Kentucky | 181,800 | ||
 | Nebraska | 145,200 | ||
 | Oklahoma | 239,200 | 1% | |
 | South Dakota | 33,700 | ||
 | West Virginia | 28,900 | ||
 | Wyoming | 19,700 | ||
 | United States | 2,757,181 | 44,597,000 |
- Because a successful illegal border crossing leaves no trace, the precise number of illegal border crossings is unknown.
- Data below outlines the number of attempted illegal border crossings that are intercepted each year.
- Successfully intercepted border crossing attempts are typically handled in one of three ways: apprehension, expulsion, or inadmission.
Illegal border crossings represent a complex and sensitive issue in the United States, with significant implications for border security, immigration policy, and law enforcement. While the exact number of illegal border crossings remains unknown due to the clandestine nature of such activities, data on intercepted attempts provides insights into the scale and distribution of these incidents across different states.
According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other reliable sources, Texas consistently experiences the highest number of intercepted illegal border crossing attempts each year. With its extensive border with Mexico, Texas faces significant challenges in deterring unauthorized entry into the United States.
Arizona
another state sharing a border with Mexico, also contends with a substantial number of intercepted illegal border crossings. However, compared to Texas, the numbers are relatively lower.
California
with its long coastline and border with Mexico, sees a significant number of intercepted illegal border crossings as well. The state’s diverse geography presents unique challenges for border enforcement efforts.
New Mexico
though not as frequently cited in discussions about illegal immigration as Texas or Arizona, still experiences a considerable number of intercepted border crossing attempts.
Other states, such as New York, Florida, and Washington, also intercept illegal border crossings, albeit to a lesser extent compared to those along the southern border.
It’s important to note that intercepted border crossing attempts are typically managed through various means, including apprehension, expulsion, or inadmission. Additionally, the intercepted numbers may not capture the full extent of illegal border crossings, as some incidents may go undetected or unreported.
