SAN DIEGO — According to a U.S. official, the number of arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico during December has remained relatively stable compared to the previous month, indicating that an expected increase ahead of Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration did not materialize. As of Monday morning, approximately 44,000 arrests were recorded for December, with projections suggesting the total will be close to the 46,612 arrests reported in November. This information comes from a senior official at U.S. Customs and Border Protection who requested anonymity as the figures are preliminary and yet to be publicly disclosed.
December marks the sixth consecutive month where the number of arrests for illegal crossings fell below the monthly average recorded in 2019. This trend signifies that the last full month of President Joe Biden’s term could reflect one of the lowest arrest figures during his four years in office. In response to inquiries regarding the recent statistics, the Department of Homeland Security released a statement from Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, highlighting that the effective implementation of asylum restrictions in June has contributed to maintaining arrests below the 2019 monthly average.
Mayorkas credited this sustained success to robust border management, extensive cooperation with international partners, and the provision of safe and legal avenues for humanitarian assistance as permitted by laws. Arrests have noticeably decreased from a peak of 250,000 in December 2023, which he attributed to increased enforcement actions by Mexican authorities and stringent asylum policies implemented by the Biden administration.
The Rio Grande Valley in Texas ranked as the second-busiest corridor for illegal border crossings in December, rising from its fifth position in November. This shift appears to stem from strategic decisions made by smuggling organizations in conjunction with Mexican law enforcement. Meanwhile, San Diego maintained its status as the busiest corridor for such crossings, followed by El Paso, Texas in third place, and Tucson, Arizona in fourth.
For the second consecutive month, the number of individuals permitted to enter the United States through official border crossings is anticipated to surpass the arrests made for illegal crossings. This trend reflects the Biden administration’s strategy to enhance and expand legal entry routes while imposing stringent restrictions on asylum for those who attempt to cross illegally. Most legal entries occur through an online appointment system known as CBP One, which provides 1,450 slots daily for appointments.
As Trump prepares to assume office on January 20, he has signaled a focus on initiating mass deportations and has reiterated the need for stronger border enforcement measures. He has also mentioned a potential revival of the policy that requires asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for their court hearings in U.S. immigration courts. In comments from September, Trump indicated his intention to discontinue CBP One appointments, further underscoring his commitment to reshaping immigration policy.
