Encounters with unauthorized migrants at the U.S. border dropped 9% in May compared to April, with a 17% decrease from the same month last year. This decline comes ahead of new asylum restrictions announced by President Biden, who is under pressure to show effective immigration control. The Tucson, San Diego, and El Paso sectors reported the highest numbers of encounters, mostly involving single adults and Mexican nationals. Civil rights groups have criticized the new restrictions, warning they could lead to more dangerous border crossings.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a significant decrease in migrant encounters along the southwest border in January 2024, attributing it to seasonal trends and enhanced enforcement efforts. CBP also highlighted its efforts in interdicting fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, facilitating lawful trade and travel, combating counterfeit goods, and eradicating forced labor from supply chains. Additionally, CBP continues to work with domestic and foreign partners to address challenges along the border and process individuals encountered at the border, emphasizing that the immigration system is facing serious capacity challenges.
A Maryland mother blames government agencies for her daughter's murder by an alleged MS-13 gang member, criticizing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for mishandling the border crisis. Texas and the federal government are in a legal battle over the seizure of a park along the Rio Grande River, with Texas preparing for future illegal immigrant surges. Meanwhile, there were over 302,000 migrant encounters in December alone after a record-setting 2.4 million encounters in FY23.
December 2023 saw a record-breaking number of over 302,000 migrants attempting to cross the U.S. southern border, marking the highest monthly total ever recorded. This surge in illegal crossings has become a significant political issue for President Biden, who is facing criticism from both Republicans and some Democrats for his handling of the situation. Amidst this, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed new laws granting state law enforcement the power to arrest and remove illegal migrants, a move that is expected to face legal challenges from the Biden administration. The ongoing border crisis and the political responses to it are likely to remain contentious as the U.S. grapples with immigration reform and border security.
Migrant encounters at the southern border have surpassed 200,000 in December, with over a week remaining in the month. This surge comes after a year of multiple records being broken for daily and monthly encounters, with over 2.4 million encounters in the fiscal year. Border Patrol agents are reportedly outmanned at a ratio of approximately 200:1 with migrants. The Biden administration is facing criticism for its policies and rollback of Trump-era border measures, while Republicans are calling for stricter asylum limits and increased border security. Negotiations for additional funding and immigration reform legislation are ongoing, but a deal is unlikely to be reached before January.
December migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border are on track to "shatter" previous records, according to reports. The surge in arrivals has overwhelmed border patrol agents and strained resources, with thousands of migrants attempting to cross into the United States. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Biden administration in managing immigration and border security.
The U.S. southern border experienced a record number of over 12,600 migrant encounters in a single day, with thousands flooding into Eagle Pass, Texas. The surge in recent weeks has overwhelmed authorities, leaving them outmanned and facilities at 260% over capacity. Arizona's Democratic Governor mobilized the National Guard to the border, while the Biden administration seeks additional funding and immigration reform legislation from Congress. Talks for a deal on border security have been ongoing, but a resolution before Christmas seems unlikely.
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the temporary suspension and reduction of vehicle processing at select ports of entry in Texas and Arizona due to a surge in migrant encounters along the southern border. The CBP will redirect personnel to assist the Border Patrol in taking migrants into custody. Several sectors along the US-Mexico border have experienced significant increases in migrant encounters, with the Tucson Sector in Arizona reporting the highest weekly total ever. The sector is routinely overwhelmed with illegal crossings, including individuals from various parts of the world.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported a decrease in migrant encounters along the southwest border in October 2023. There was a 14% decrease in encounters between ports of entry, a 14% decrease in family unit encounters, and a 16% decrease in encounters of unaccompanied children compared to September. CBP also saw a 65% decrease in encounters of Venezuelans following the resumption of removal flights to Venezuela. Additionally, CBP highlighted its efforts in combating fentanyl and other dangerous substances, with 1,661 pounds of fentanyl seized in October and a total of over 27,000 pounds seized in FY 2023. CBP emphasized the need for more resources to sustain and increase these efforts.
Migrant encounters at the US southern border reached an all-time high of 269,735 in September, including 218,763 Border Patrol arrests and 50,972 expulsions at ports of entry. This brings the total number of encounters for the 2023 fiscal year to 2.48 million, the highest on record. Venezuelans became the largest nationality arrested for illegal border crossings, with 54,833 arrests in September. The surge in migrants highlights the humanitarian crisis at the border and poses a political challenge for President Joe Biden. The Biden administration is working to address the issue by surging resources and personnel, preparing for direct repatriations to Venezuela, and proposing additional funding for border security.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that there were 183,503 migrant encounters at the southern border in July, lower than last year but higher than June. The Biden administration had previously touted the lower numbers in June as a sign that its immigration policies were effective. The drop in numbers was attributed to various policies, including expanded parole programs and efforts to address root causes. However, the number of illegal entries between ports of entry increased in July. The surge in migrant numbers has led to concerns about capacity at Border Patrol sectors, prompting the administration to request additional agency volunteers and increase the number of ICE special agents at the border. Republicans have criticized the administration's handling of the crisis and called for stricter border security measures. The Biden administration has defended its approach, citing a broken immigration system and calling for additional funding and comprehensive immigration reform.
