Recent data from a senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection official indicates that arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico in December have remained relatively consistent compared to the previous month. With approximately 44,000 arrests recorded so far in December, it is expected that the month will conclude with numbers close to the 46,612 arrests made in November.
This trend marks the sixth consecutive month where illegal border crossings have been below the monthly average recorded in 2019. It also suggests that December is on track to be one of the lowest months in terms of arrests during President Joe Biden's tenure.
The Homeland Security Department, in response to the latest figures, highlighted the success of implementing asylum restrictions in June, resulting in continued low numbers compared to previous years. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the importance of strong border enforcement, collaboration with foreign partners, and the provision of lawful pathways for humanitarian relief.
Arrests for illegal crossings have significantly decreased from the peak of 250,000 in December 2023, attributed to enhanced enforcement by Mexican authorities and the implementation of stricter asylum policies under the Biden administration.
In December, Texas' Rio Grande Valley emerged as the second-busiest corridor for illegal crossings, indicating potential shifts in tactics by smuggling groups and Mexican law enforcement. San Diego retained its position as the busiest corridor, followed by El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona.
Notably, legal entries through official border crossings are projected to surpass arrests for illegal crossings for the second consecutive month. This reflects the Biden administration's strategy of expanding legal pathways while imposing stringent restrictions on asylum for unauthorized border crossers. The majority of legal entries are facilitated through the CBP One online appointment system, which allocates 1,450 slots daily.
Former President Donald Trump's administration had prioritized mass deportations and border security measures, including the potential reinstatement of the policy requiring asylum-seekers to remain in Mexico for U.S. immigration court proceedings. Trump had also expressed intentions to terminate CBP One appointments in September.
