U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced Tuesday that apprehensions of illegal immigrants at the U.S. border with Mexico have been cut in half since tighter restrictions were introduced in June.
CBP released statistics for the past year, saying border apprehensions have decreased by 13% and enforcement efforts have “significantly increased.”
According to CBP, 2,135,005 people were arrested from Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024, down from more than 2.4 million and more than 2.3 million in the previous two years, respectively.
Troy A. Miller, the senior official who performs the duties of CBP Director, praised the officers’ efforts to focus on the criminal aspects of border security.
“CBP continues to identify and respond to new threats posed by transnational criminal organizations that profit from the exploitation of vulnerable populations, and takes unprecedented steps to dismantle and disrupt these operations. “We have taken measures to prevent this.” “We are increasing enforcement efforts to further crack down on the smuggling of illegal opioids, including fentanyl, and taking new steps to disrupt the supply chain of deadly drugs.”
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Black Hawk helicopter photographed in San Diego on September 28. The agency reported a 13% decrease in illegal border crossings in the Southwest compared to last year. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Black Hawk helicopter photographed in San Diego on September 28. The agency reported a 13% decrease in illegal border crossings in the Southwest compared to last year. Kevin Carter/Getty Images
The number of migrants passing between ports of entry along the southwest border has fallen significantly over the past year, from 301,981 in December to 101,790 in September.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order in June restricting immigration by effectively banning asylum. CBP announced that the number of immigrants processed for expedited removal or deportation has tripled.
In the nearly four months since the order was issued, more than 160,000 people have been repatriated to 146 countries. For the entire fiscal year, removals and returns totaled more than 700,000.
Colombian asylum seekers walk along a desert road after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border near Jacumba Hot Springs, California, on September 22. Migrant crossings remain low in the months after the Biden administration issued an executive order banning most entry… Colombian asylum seekers walking through the streets. Migrant crossings remain low months after the Biden administration issued an executive order banning most asylum applications at the southwest border. Other John Moore/Getty Images
CBP said more Border Patrol agents have returned to the field in recent months, increasing its ability to target those attempting to enter the United States undetected, including members of transnational criminal organizations. said.
The reduction in border crossings appears to have had an impact on the number of migrants needing rescue. In 2023, agents conducted more than 37,000 rescues. In the most recent fiscal year, that number fell to 5,420, a 30 percent drop in migrant deaths.
Migrants are still entering the United States, with 44,600 appointments made through the CBP One app in September alone. People eligible for entry through Humanitarian Parole (CHNV) also continue to enter the country, with more than 531,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela being allowed to enter to date.
Although border crossings have not reached the lowest levels seen during former President Donald Trump’s administration, there are growing calls for a tougher stance on the border if Vice President Kamala Harris is elected. The numbers are likely to be a welcome boost to his campaign.
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