Illegal migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border have reached their lowest level since September 2020, with US Border Patrol agents recording fewer than 60,000 migrant apprehensions along the southern border in July. This marks the fifth consecutive monthly drop, highlighting a significant decrease in unlawful crossings.
Republican Perspective
Despite the decline in numbers, Republicans, including Vice Presidential candidate JD Vant, argue that the number of border crossings is still too high and criticize the Biden administration for being too lenient on immigration policies.
On the Ground in Arizona and Mexico
Adam Yamaguchi traveled to Arizona and Mexico to get a closer look at the situation along the Arizona-Mexico border. In the quiet desert, he rode with Border Patrol agents searching for migrants but did not witness any encounters. Agent Robert Ortiz explained that the number of illegal apprehensions has significantly decreased. Currently, they are averaging 200 to 400 apprehensions per day, compared to 1,800 to 2,000 per day about seven to eight months ago.
Changes in Migrant Camps
Around seven months ago, when the US was experiencing record numbers of migrants illegally crossing the border, numerous camps were set up along the border to provide refuge for migrants awaiting Border Patrol processing. However, most of these camps have since been dismantled or now sit abandoned.
Executive Order Impact
In June, President Biden announced an executive order that expedites deportations without hearing asylum claims after a bipartisan border deal in Congress fell through. This order appears to be effective, as migrant apprehensions at the border dropped from about 250,000 in December to under 60,000 in July. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas attributes the decline in crossings to several factors, including the restriction of asylum. He stated that almost 875,000 individuals have been returned or removed in the past year, with the US working with other countries to accept the return of their nationals who do not qualify for relief under US law.
shelter-in-nogales-mexico”>Migrant Shelter in Nogales, Mexico
The impact of the executive order is evident at a migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico, where families from South and Central America come seeking relief and a chance at asylum. The shelter, which can accommodate about 80 people, provides medical assistance, meals, and helps migrants understand the immigration process. Johanna Oeta, a shelter worker, described the various services they offer to support migrants.
Personal Stories
Miguel Flores, a migrant at the shelter, shared his experience. After being detained and deported in 2018 for crossing illegally, he left his home in central Mexico this year to try again legally, driven by fears of violent drug cartels. Flores, whose autistic son is a US citizen, has been in Nogales with his family for three months, hoping for a chance to enter the US legally. Every morning, he attempts to secure a meeting with immigration officials through an official app, expressing hope and faith that he will eventually get an appointment.
Conclusion
The significant drop in illegal migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border reflects the impact of recent policy changes and enforcement measures. While the Biden administration cites the effectiveness of these measures, the ongoing debate about immigration policies and border security continues, with differing perspectives on the adequacy and leniency of current practices. The situation remains complex, with individual stories like that of Miguel Flores highlighting the human element behind the statistics and policy discussions.
