The US southern border is currently experiencing a staggering surge in migrant encounters, with authorities struggling to keep up. On Monday, there were over 12,600 migrant encounters, setting a new record for a single day, according to Customs and Border Protection sources. This number does not include the thousands of migrants still awaiting processing in the Del Rio Sector after an influx into Eagle Pass, Texas. Of the encounters, over 11,000 were illegal immigrant apprehensions, while over 1,600 occurred at ports of entry.
The situation in Eagle Pass is particularly dire, with over 5,300 migrants already in custody and facilities operating at 260% over capacity. To put this into perspective, the total number of migrants in the tiny border sector is roughly a third of the entire population of Eagle Pass itself, overwhelming authorities who are outnumbered 200 to 1.
The Tucson Sector in Arizona is also experiencing a significant influx, with over 3,000 encounters on Monday alone. Arizona’s Democratic Governor, Katie Hobbs, has deployed the National Guard to assist overwhelmed agents. In a statement, Governor Hobbs emphasized the need for resources and manpower to manage the flow of migrants and maintain a secure border.
This surge in encounters is part of a larger trend that has seen a record number of migrants crossing the border in fiscal year 2023, totaling 2.4 million. September and October were particularly high, and November and December are on track to post record or near-record numbers. Border Patrol agents now routinely encounter over 10,000 migrants per day.
In addition to the challenges posed by these numbers, Department of Homeland Security officials have revealed that around 670,000 “gotaways” managed to slip past Border Patrol agents in fiscal year 2023. Furthermore, an average of 5,000 illegal immigrants are being released daily to non-governmental organizations. This is in addition to the parole of over 1,600 migrants at ports of entry each day and the monthly arrival of up to 30,000 individuals from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba through expanded “lawful pathways” established by the Biden administration.
The administration claims it is pursuing a strategy of expanding legal pathways while increasing consequences for illegal entry. However, it acknowledges the need for additional funding and immigration reform legislation from Congress to address the ongoing crisis. It has requested an additional $14 billion for border funding, but Republicans have pushed for greater limits on humanitarian parole and higher asylum standards.
Negotiations between lawmakers have been ongoing, with the Biden administration open to compromises such as a Title 42-type expulsion authority and a nationwide expedited removal program. However, some Democrats have accused the administration of “selling out” migrants, while conservative Republicans argue that these measures are insufficient and call for the implementation of the entire House GOP border security legislation. Despite progress being made, it is unlikely that a deal will be reached before Christmas.
The situation at the US southern border is undeniably a national security crisis that demands immediate attention. Authorities are overwhelmed, facilities are overcrowded, and the record-breaking numbers of encounters continue to rise. As the Biden administration seeks solutions and Congress debates the best course of action, the consequences of this border surge are felt by both migrants and US officials alike.
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