In a surprising turn of events, the number of migrants apprehended along the U.S.-Mexico border dipped in March, according to internal government statistics obtained by CBS News. Border Patrol agents apprehended over 137,000 migrants who crossed the U.S. southern border unlawfully in March, down from nearly 141,000 in February.
This decrease marks the first time in seven years that illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border did not increase from February to March. The Biden administration has been facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and political firestorm due to the record numbers of migrants crossing the southern border.
One major factor contributing to the drop in migrant crossings is believed to be the immigration crackdown by the Mexican government. Mexico has increased efforts to slow U.S.-bound migration, deploying additional authorities to prevent migrants from traveling to the American border via freight trains or buses. Mexican officials are also deporting some of the migrants they intercept on these routes further south.
In addition to Mexico’s actions, increased deportations by the U.S. have also been attributed to the decrease in migrant crossings. Since May, the U.S. has deported or returned over 630,000 migrants, including nearly 100,000 parents and children traveling as families, to Mexico or their home countries.
While the drop in illegal crossings in March is a positive development, officials still expect to see an increase in migration in the spring, as has been historically the case. The Biden administration continues to work with other countries, including Mexico, to combat criminal groups smuggling migrants into the U.S. However, challenges along the border persist, and Congress is urged to take action and provide additional resources to address them.