In March, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a decrease in migrant encounters along the southwest border compared to previous months. The Border Patrol recorded 137,480 encounters between ports of entry, a 16% decrease from March 2023. While this was the lowest March for Border Patrol encounters under the Biden administration, the first six months of fiscal year 2024 saw a total of 1,340,801 encounters, exceeding the number from the same period in fiscal year 2023.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been vocal about the need for increased border security, highlighting his state’s Operation Lone Star program. Abbott criticized the Biden administration for failing to secure the southern border, stating that Texas is working tirelessly to deter and repel illegal immigration. Operation Lone Star has resulted in over 507,200 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 41,500 criminal arrests, with over 36,900 felony charges.
Governor Abbott emphasized the impact of open border policies on communities, stating that every individual apprehended, every drug seized, and every criminal arrested would have otherwise made their way into Texas and the nation due to President Biden’s policies. The continued construction of the border wall in Zapata County is part of Texas’ efforts to secure the border and combat illegal immigration.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Troy A. Miller acknowledged the lower number of encounters at the southern border, but emphasized the agency’s preparedness for changes in migration patterns and criminal activities. CBP works with federal and foreign partners to disrupt criminal networks amidst unprecedented hemispheric migration activity. Despite the decrease in encounters, CBP remains vigilant in managing operations along the border.
In another development, the Department of Homeland Security announced that an Afghan national on the U.S. terror watchlist was taken back into custody after being captured at the U.S.-Mexico border and released twice onto American soil. This incident highlights the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and detaining individuals with potential ties to terrorism attempting to enter the country illegally.
Overall, the decrease in migrant encounters in March along the southwest border is a positive trend, but the ongoing efforts by states like Texas and federal agencies like CBP demonstrate the continued need for enhanced border security measures to prevent illegal immigration and criminal activities. The challenges posed by open border policies and the influx of migrants require a comprehensive approach that involves cooperation between federal, state, and foreign partners to address the complex issues related to migration and border security.
