In a significant blow to the Biden administration’s border strategy, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that migrant numbers at the southern border for the month of September had reached new levels. The surge of migrants has resulted in the highest monthly encounters on record, as well as the highest fiscal year total on record. This development has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the administration’s approach to border control.
During September, there were a total of 269,735 migrant encounters at the southern border, with 218,763 of them entering illegally. These numbers bring the yearly total for migrants at the southern border for FY 23 to 2.48 million, surpassing the figures for FY 22 (2.38 million) and FY 21 (1.73 million). In comparison, there were only 458,088 encounters in FY 2020.
Of those who entered, 43,000 individuals were processed through ports of entry using the controversial CBP One app, which allows migrants to schedule appointments to be paroled into the U.S. Additionally, there were 18 encounters of people on the terror watch list between ports of entry, marking a new record for FY 23 and surpassing the combined numbers of the last six fiscal years.
Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller acknowledged the challenges posed by the high rates of encounters and emphasized the agency’s commitment to surging resources and personnel in response. The Biden administration has requested $14 billion in funding from Congress to support its border strategy, including additional staffing and funds for migrant services.
The increase in migrant numbers is seen as a setback for the Biden administration’s post-Title 42 border strategy, which aimed to reestablish consequences for illegal entry while expanding lawful pathways for migrants. After the end of Title 42 in May, there was a sharp drop in numbers, leading the administration to claim success in managing the border. However, the surge in July, August, and September has brought renewed criticism from both Republican and Democratic officials.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green criticized Secretary Mayorkas for his refusal to enforce the law and secure the border, stating that it jeopardizes safety and security. He called for accountability and expressed concern about the number of known “gotaways” who pose potential threats.
While the administration has emphasized lawful pathways and implemented measures to assist migrants in identifying eligible options, it has also increased enforcement efforts. This includes direct deportation flights to Venezuela and expedited removals, with over 110,000 people returned since May. The administration maintains that its position on opposing wall construction has not changed, despite recent claims suggesting otherwise.
The surge of migrants at the southern border has highlighted the challenges facing the Biden administration’s border strategy. As the numbers continue to rise, the administration faces mounting pressure to find effective solutions to manage the crisis.
