Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas blames Mexico and Congress for the historic surge at the southern border, calling for more funding and immigration system reform. He acknowledged the stress on facilities and the need for additional resources, while also pushing back on accusations of not enforcing border laws. Mayorkas faces an impeachment hearing over his handling of the border crisis, with record numbers of migrant encounters reported. Senate negotiators are working on a bipartisan border security proposal, aiming to address the influx of migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. amidst ongoing discussions about funding for Ukraine's defense against Russia.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has launched "Operation SECURE" in response to the ongoing migrant surge near the Lukeville Port of Entry, which has been closed for nearly a week. The operation includes the creation of a border security office within the state Department of Homeland Security and the allocation of up to $5 million to support the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement at the border. Governor Hobbs is urging the federal government to take action and bring security and order to the border, while also seeking reimbursement for ongoing border operations. State leaders are also calling on President Biden to mobilize National Guardsmen to aid in reopening the Lukeville border crossing.
The southern border is experiencing a surge in unlawful crossings, with nearly 9,000 people a day attempting to enter the United States. Despite new border barriers and efforts by the Biden administration to manage the influx, migrants from various countries are driven by desperation and are not waiting for legal entry. This surge is creating a humanitarian and political crisis, overwhelming processing facilities and straining resources in border states and major American cities. While some migrants are being sent back or deported, others file asylum claims and are allowed to remain in the US while their cases are processed. The Biden administration's efforts to address the situation, such as expanding appointment availability through a mobile app, are unable to keep up with the demand.
The number of unauthorized border crossings in the southwest has surged, with the U.S. Border Patrol apprehending an estimated 9,000 migrants in a single day. The Biden administration is implementing strategies to contain the migration, including expanding deportations and providing work permit access and deportation protections for Venezuelans. However, Republicans argue that the administration is not doing enough to secure the borders, while immigration advocates believe more needs to be done to overhaul immigration laws. The surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including the end of fast-track border expulsion protocols and the influence of transnational criminal organizations involved in human smuggling.
President Biden is facing a challenging month ahead as he navigates debt talks with Congress and the potential for a surge in border crossings. The administration is seeking to pass a $3.5 trillion spending package, but faces opposition from some Democrats. Meanwhile, officials are preparing for a potential increase in migrants at the southern border as the situation in Haiti and other countries worsens.
