Chief Michael Banks of the United States Border Patrol said this week, during National Police Week events, that daily encounters at the southern border are down 93% and that March posted “the lowest numbers of encounters in recorded history.”

Banks spoke as the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies joined memorial and wreath-laying events in Washington, D.C., honoring fallen law enforcement officers. He said the memorial events and related gatherings welcomed families of the fallen and brought federal, state and local partners together to “pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

The remarks combined statements about border operations and recruiting. Banks said, “Daily encounters are down 93%, and March posted the lowest numbers of encounters in recorded history.” He also told the audience that recruiting interest has risen, saying “US Secret Service saw a 214% increase in applicants, and CBP is up over 40%.”

Banks attributed the changes in border encounters and recruiting to recent federal actions and leadership, saying, “President Trump and Secretary Noem are empowering law enforcement officers to do our jobs, delivering results and making America safe again.” He added that the Department of Homeland Security “stands shoulder to shoulder with every officer who puts on the badge every day.”

The remarks were delivered as part of ceremonial observances during National Police Week; no formal policy proposal, vote, or other official action was announced during the remarks.

The statements reported here reflect claims made by Chief Banks in his remarks; they were not accompanied in the transcript by supporting documents or votes and thus are presented as attributions rather than verified facts.