Independent journalist Auden Cabello joins ‘America Reports’ to discuss the White House and Mexico holding a meeting amid the migrant surge. Migrant numbers at the southern border in December have broken the record for monthly encounters, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources tell — just as U.S. and Mexico officials met this week and discussed the benefits of “regularizing” those in the country illegally. Sources say there have been more than 276,000 migrant encounters in December so far, already making it the highest month on record. The previous record was set in September when officials saw 269,735 encounters. The number includes illegal immigrants encountered between ports of entry and migrants entering at ports of entry via the CBP One app.
The surge in migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border has reached unprecedented levels in December, with over 276,000 encounters reported so far, according to sources from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This surge has broken the previous record set in September, further highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by border officials. The issue has drawn significant attention as the White House and Mexico engaged in discussions this week, focusing on the benefits of providing legal status to those already in the US illegally.
Since the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1st, there have been over 760,000 migrant encounters at the southern border, making it the highest quarter on record for the first quarter of FY 24. Additionally, there have been 82,000 known getaways and over 9,400 encounters in the past 24 hours alone, with more than 8,000 resulting in a release with a Notice to Appear. These staggering numbers have overwhelmed Border Patrol agents and raised concerns about the administration’s handling of the situation.
Republicans have criticized the surge, attributing it to the policies of the current administration, particularly the reversal of Trump-era policies. On the other hand, the administration argues that it is facing a hemisphere-wide challenge and requires additional funding and immigration reform legislation from Congress to address the issue effectively. While adopting strategies to expand “lawful” migration pathways, crack down on smugglers, and increase consequences for illegal entry, the administration also faces the challenge of releasing approximately 5,000 illegal immigrants into the US each day.
The White House has requested $14 billion in border funding as part of the emergency supplemental funding request. However, discussions have stalled as Republicans demand stricter asylum restrictions and limitations on the government’s use of parole to prevent interior releases. This funding request is crucial for addressing the ongoing crisis at the border and implementing effective solutions.
Recent talks between Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador emphasized the commitment to “orderly, humane, and regular migration.” The discussions also touched upon the benefits of granting legal status to Hispanic migrants who have been undocumented for several years, including those protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This proposal has faced criticism from Republicans who argue that it will worsen the crisis.
The current situation at the US-Mexico border has placed immense strain on border officials and immigration courts, with the massive influx of migrants overwhelming the system. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed concern over the administration’s announcement of amnesty discussions, stating that the focus should be on deterring illegal immigration rather than attracting more individuals to cross the border. He urged President Biden to take immediate action to address the national security crisis and protect the nation’s sovereignty.
As the crisis continues to unfold, it is clear that urgent action is needed to address the record-breaking surge of migrants at the US-Mexico border. The ongoing discussions between the US and Mexico provide an opportunity for collaboration and finding effective solutions to this complex issue. However, the debate over granting legal status to undocumented migrants remains contentious, with Republicans warning against exacerbating the crisis. The coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of immigration policies and the handling of the border crisis.
