Patel credits changes to FBI recruiting as cause for 'record results' in 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday night credited a change to the bureau's recruitment in 2025 as the reason Americans saw "record results" from federal law enforcement last year.

The bureau claimed it had a "historic year" that resulted in over 50,000 arrests, a 35% increase in espionage arrests and the seizure of over 2.1 kilograms of fentanyl. 

The bureau is also responsible for finding nearly 6,600 missing children, though the departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services found over 129,000 missing migrant children in 2025 who disappeared under the Biden administration. 

Patel said one change the FBI has made under his leadership is by developing the "Advanced Special Agent Training Program," which creates a way for federal agents from other agencies to become FBI Special Agents and allows retired special agents to return to service.

The bureau also expanded its Reserve Service Program for retired agents who want to come back to the bureau as experienced criminal investigators.

"In 2025 [the FBI] had a huge year for recruiting - bringing in more and more Americans every day committed to defending the homeland and making America safer than ever before," Patel said on X. "This is largely why you’re seeing record results - we are bringing in the hardworking frontline people to deliver." 

The changes have resulted in nearly 45,000 Special Agent applications in 2025, nearly 30,000 professional applications and over 3,000 intelligence analyst applications. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.