The Border Myth About Fentanyl That's Killing Policy
The data, compiled from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) records, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and press reports, shows that between October 2018 and June 2024, about 81 percent of people caught smuggling fentanyl at the southern border were U.S. citizens. Most of these individuals entered through official land ports, often in personal vehicles or on foot.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin, has been the leading cause of U.S. drug overdoses, contributing to more than 107,000 deaths in 2022 alone. Though overdose deaths have since declined, officials warn that fentanyl trafficking remains a significant public health and national security challenge.
Contrary to popular belief and political rhetoric linking migrants to drug trafficking, the fact sheet emphasizes that irregular migration and fentanyl smuggling are largely unconnected. Of nearly 700 CBP-reported fentanyl seizures reviewed, just 10 involved migrants crossing between ports of entry. The vast majority occurred at official crossings or within the U.S., often in vehicles driven by American citizens.
https://migrantinsider.com/p/the-border-myth-about-fentanyl-thats