Illegal immigration ticked down in October, though it was still the second-worst month on record, with Homeland Security recording 309,221 encounters with unauthorized migrants.

The Border Patrol also detected 12 terrorism suspects at the southern border and one caught trying to sneak in across the northern border in October, according to new data released Tuesday.

Fentanyl seizures rose, with Border Patrol agents in particular recording massive amounts flowing between the ports of entry. Seizures at the border crossings dropped slightly.

The 309,221 encounters with illegal immigrants were down 9% from September’s numbers. Most of those came from Border Patrol agents, who arrested 188,778 illegal immigrants at the southern border, down from 218,763 in September.

The number of unaccompanied children and migrants traveling as families also fell.

Troy Miller, acting commissioner at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, attributed the drop in crossings to a new get-tough policy on Venezuelans. The administration restarted deportation flights to the South American nation last month, and Border Patrol apprehensions of Venezuelans dropped 65% at the end of the month.

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“We continue to enhance our border security posture and remain vigilant,” Mr. Miller said.

He said making more progress will require more money. He urged Congress to approve President Biden’s request for billions of dollars in new border money.

Republicans on Capitol Hill have said the president’s request is aimed at faster processing of migrants and would do little to stop the flow of people. They have vowed to require policy changes in exchange for giving Mr. Biden more cash.

• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.