Surge in Illegal Crossings and Deportations: Migrant Families Face Record Highs and Ankle Monitors

The number of migrant families crossing the US-Mexico border reached a record high in August, surpassing the previous one-month record set in May 2019. Migrant families accounted for the largest demographic group crossing the border, surpassing single adults for the first time since President Biden took office. The Biden administration has attributed the increase to seasonal trends and smugglers preying on vulnerable migrants. The government has ramped up deportation flights but also expanded lawful immigration programs. The backlog in immigration courts and the slow processing of humanitarian claims contribute to migrants being released into the US while awaiting a decision. Additionally, the FBI is searching for Uzbek migrants who entered the US with the help of an ISIS-linked smuggler.