Illegal border crossings at the U.S. southern border with Mexico have decreased significantly since reaching an all-time high in December, with numbers dropping from nearly 302,000 to just over 193,000 in March. This decrease has been attributed to increased enforcement efforts by the Mexican government, which has been rounding up migrants heading for the border and bussing them south, making it more difficult for them to reach the U.S. border successfully. Mexican police are intercepting migrants on highways, train routes, and at airports, causing delays for some migrants and forcing them to decide whether to attempt the long journey north again or abandon their efforts entirely.
Mexico has recently stepped up its immigration enforcement efforts, stationing troops near border barriers and shutting down popular smuggling points. This increased enforcement followed a call by President Biden to Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador in late December, where Biden asked for help at the border. Subsequently, Secretary of State Antony Blinken led a delegation to Mexico to meet with the Mexican president. The Mexican government began enforcing its immigration laws more strictly, making it more difficult for migrants to use the country as a pathway to the United States.
The Biden administration released a joint statement with López Obrador detailing their continued cooperation on border security, emphasizing the need to manage hemispheric migration effectively and improve security for both countries’ citizens. Despite the administration’s efforts to work with regional partners and enhance enforcement measures by the U.S. government, White House spokesperson credited DHS with removing or returning more than 690,000 individuals – most of whom crossed the southwest border – since May 12. This intense cooperation on the border could be the result of a political deal between Biden and López Obrador, with the Mexican president reportedly demanding $20 billion in aid from the U.S.
Curt Mills, the executive director of the American Conservative, believes that the recent decrease in illegal border crossings can be attributed to more effective pressure on Mexico in recent months. He suggested that the Biden administration initially ignored the issue at the border but began to take action after widespread outrage. Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, argued that the administration’s reliance on Mexico to beef up enforcement allows it to avoid angering progressive allies while limiting the political fallout of a continued crisis. The administration is attempting to appease both its radical left base that wants an open border and Americans who prioritize border security.
While the White House pointed to a failed bipartisan immigration bill as a reason for stymied efforts to secure the border, the Biden administration continues to face criticism over its handling of the ongoing border crisis. The administration’s cooperation with Mexico and enhanced enforcement efforts have contributed to a noticeable decrease in illegal border crossings, but concerns remain about the root causes of migration and the effectiveness of current policies. Moving forward, it is essential for the administration to address these challenges while navigating the complex political landscape surrounding immigration and border security issues.
