Arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico saw a slight increase in August, ending a five-month downward trend, according to authorities. The Border Patrol reported 58,038 arrests on the Mexican border during the month, a 2.9% rise from July’s 56,399, though still hovering near four-year lows. The figures were in line with early estimates. Troy Miller, acting CBP commissioner, attributed the stabilization to measures implemented in June to halt asylum in cases of certain illegal crossing thresholds.
The total marks a significant decrease from the peak of 250,000 arrests in December, partly due to increased enforcement by Mexican authorities within their borders. This development is seen as progress for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in response to criticism from Republicans alleging a lack of border control. A White House spokesperson, Angelo Fernández Hernández, praised the administration’s measures, contrasting them with what he called inaction by Republican officials.
President Biden has faced criticism from Republicans concerning new pathways for legal entry, which opponents have labeled as maneuvers to reduce illegal crossings. Meanwhile, approximately 44,700 individuals entered the country legally from Mexico in August by using an app called CBP One to schedule appointments, with a total of around 813,000 since the app’s inception in January 2023. Furthermore, nearly 530,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have entered legally via airports by applying online with a financial sponsor.
San Diego remained the corridor with the highest number of illegal crossings, followed closely by El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona.
