All articles tagged with #migrant surge
Greece has suspended asylum applications from North Africa for three months and increased detention measures following a significant rise in migrant arrivals, with over 9,000 migrants arriving in 2025, prompting logistical and humanitarian concerns. The government aims to deter traffickers and manage the crisis amid strained resources and international diplomatic challenges.
The Biden administration is preparing for a potential surge in migrant crossings at the U.S. border, anticipating that President-elect Donald Trump's immigration policies may prompt more people to attempt entry before he takes office. Concerns have been raised within the Department of Homeland Security about handling a possible increase in migrants, with discussions focusing on detention capacity and rapid deportation processes. Meanwhile, misinformation and urgency are spreading among migrants via WhatsApp, with smugglers potentially exploiting fears of stricter border controls under Trump.
Senate negotiators have reached a border security deal to empower the US to restrict illegal migrant crossings at the southern border and expedite the asylum process, aiming to address the ongoing migrant surge and reduce the backlog of asylum cases.
Key senators in the US have reached a deal to require the shutdown of the southern border with Mexico if illegal migrant crossings reach certain levels, as part of efforts to address the ongoing migrant surge. The deal also aims to expedite the asylum process and grant new emergency authority to the Department of Homeland Security to close the border in case of surges. The negotiations involve a bipartisan group of senators and are expected to be unveiled soon, with the goal of preventing overwhelming surges at the border.
Hundreds of migrants, including asylum-seekers from Mexico, Latin America, Afghanistan, and India, are crossing the US-Mexico border in Arizona, overwhelming border agents who lack the resources to patrol and apprehend those who evade capture. Most migrants surrender to officers to claim asylum and are allowed to stay temporarily while being processed. The surge in crossings has strained border enforcement, with limited agents available to handle the large influx. The situation has prompted concerns about drug smuggling and has led to the closure of ports of entry, causing disruptions to international trade and long wait times for commuters. Law enforcement officials are calling for increased federal resources and tougher measures at the border.
Railroad companies and business groups are urging the U.S. government to reopen trade routes on the Texas-Mexico border after two crossings were closed due to a surge in migrant crossings. The U.S. Border Patrol apprehended around 10,800 migrants at the southwest border on Monday, with 40% being families or unaccompanied children. The closure of rail bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso has raised concerns about significant economic harm and supply chain disruptions. The closures account for about 45% of Union Pacific's cross-border shipments, with an estimated overall economic impact of over $200 million per day. The closure of crossings is also expected to result in huge losses for agricultural trade.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has closed two rail bridges connecting Texas and Mexico due to a surge in migrant smuggling through Mexico by train. The closures in Eagle Pass and El Paso are aimed at redirecting personnel to assist the Border Patrol in apprehending migrants. CBP has taken similar actions in recent weeks, temporarily closing other entry points along the US-Mexico border. The agency is working in partnership with Mexican authorities to address the concerning development of smuggling organizations using freight trains to transport migrants.
The US will suspend rail operations on the southern border due to a surge in migrants, with the National Guard being deployed as concerns grow.
Arizona's Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs has mobilized the state's National Guard to the border with Mexico, accusing the federal government of failing to secure the border. The Guard will assist with fentanyl interdiction, analytical support, and human trafficking enforcement. Arizona's Tucson Sector has experienced a surge in migrant encounters, prompting the closure of a border crossing. Governor Hobbs called for resources and manpower to manage the flow of migrants and maintain a secure and orderly border. The Biden administration has faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for not providing enough resources, while requesting $14 billion in emergency funding from Congress. Talks are ongoing to resolve the gridlock and find a compromise.
U.S. Border Patrol agents along the northern and coastal borders have been asked to assist their colleagues at the U.S.-Mexico border by expediting the virtual processing of illegal immigrants, as the number of migrants in custody exceeds 19,100. The virtual processing involves agents conducting video calls with migrants. The Border Patrol's resources have been focused on sectors in Texas, Arizona, and California, leading to a temporary suspension and reduction of vehicle processing at ports of entry in those areas. The Tucson Sector in Arizona reported a record-breaking 15,300 illegal crossings last week. The surge in migrant encounters at the southern border continues, with over 240,000 people encountered in October, the highest-ever number for that month.
Finland will close its entire eastern border with Russia until 13 December due to concerns over a surge in arrivals of migrants from the Middle East and Africa. The Finnish government accuses Russia of orchestrating and encouraging the migrant flow towards the border, treating them as asylum seekers. Finnish officials believe this is in retaliation for Finland joining NATO this year.
The U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson Sector has announced a pause in its social media activity due to the overwhelming surge of migrants at the border. The sector reported a record-breaking 15,300 illegal crossings last week, along with significant drug seizures and criminal cases. The decision to halt social media communication has drawn criticism for limiting transparency during a critical time. The sector is experiencing daily crossings from various regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy has expressed concern as the state's shelter system nears its capacity due to an influx of migrants, with 40 to 50 new families arriving daily. The state's "right-to-shelter" law entitles migrant families to taxpayer-funded emergency shelter, but the governor is suggesting that other states should consider accepting migrants. As the state struggles to accommodate the increasing demand, families will be placed on a waitlist, with priority given to women, young children, and those with acute medical needs. The state is also considering limiting the length of stay in shelters. Nonprofit organizations are stepping in to provide additional shelter options, but towns in Massachusetts are facing challenges in welcoming large numbers of migrants.
Several Democratic mayors, who previously welcomed a surge of migrants into their sanctuary cities, are now requesting $5 billion in federal aid from the Biden administration to support these new residents, rejecting the proposed $1.4 billion. The mayors of Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York urgently requested a meeting with President Biden, stating that their city budgets and local taxpayers are bearing the burden of the ongoing federal crisis. They argue that additional resources are needed to properly care for asylum seekers entering their communities, as relying on municipal budgets is not sustainable and has forced them to cut essential city services.
The Biden administration has announced plans to expand the border wall on the Mexican border and begin deporting thousands of Venezuelans in an effort to address the ongoing migrant surge. This marks a reversal of previous policies and comes in response to political pressure from both Republicans and Democrats who argue that the influx of migrants is overwhelming their ability to provide housing and support. The decision to build the wall and deport Venezuelans highlights the challenges faced by the Biden administration as humanitarian crises worldwide drive more migrants to the U.S. border.