In February, the number of arrests for individuals illegally crossing the U.S. southern border with Mexico slightly increased from the previous month, reaching 140,644 arrests. Despite this uptick, the numbers remain among the lowest of President Joe Biden’s administration. These figures are closely monitored as immigration continues to be a significant concern for voters, with critics, particularly Republicans led by former President Donald Trump, accusing Biden’s policies of encouraging migrants to attempt entry into the U.S. The Biden administration has attributed the rise in border crossings to a global trend of people fleeing their homes in search of safety.
Following a record high of 249,785 arrests in December, tensions over immigration have been fueled, leading to a decline in both January and February. Officials have attributed this decrease to enforcement efforts by Mexico and seasonal fluctuations that impact when and where migrants attempt to cross the border. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged the Mexican government’s enhanced enforcement efforts as the primary reason for this decline, particularly in regions like Sonora, which borders Arizona and presents challenges in patrolling.
During the month of February, the Tucson sector in Arizona witnessed significant migrant crossings between the ports of entry, followed by San Diego and El Paso, Texas. Additionally, 42,100 migrants utilized an app called CBP One to schedule appointments at official border crossing points to gain entry into the United States. This app has been a key component of the Biden administration’s strategy to reduce chaos at the border by encouraging migrants to wait for scheduled appointments rather than engaging in risky crossings. Furthermore, the administration has allowed 30,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the country each month using humanitarian parole authority, provided they have a financial sponsor in the U.S. and fly into an American airport.
Despite these efforts, Republicans have criticized the use of the CBP One app and humanitarian parole, alleging that they circumvent immigration laws and allow entry for individuals who would not otherwise qualify for admittance. As the political debate surrounding immigration continues, the Biden administration maintains that the situation at the southern border is part of a broader global phenomenon of increased migration flows. Amid growing concerns, the administration remains focused on addressing the complex challenges posed by unauthorized border crossings while also prioritizing humanitarian considerations for specific migrant populations in need of protection and support.
