The U.S.-Mexico border is experiencing a significant decrease in illegal crossings in May compared to the record highs reported in December, data obtained by CBS News reveals. The daily average of apprehensions of migrants by U.S. Border Patrol agents in May is approximately 3,700, which represents a 54% decrease from the 8,000 daily average in December. This drop in illegal crossings is unusual for this time of year, as migrant crossings typically surge in the spring. The lower levels of unlawful crossings are partially attributed to an aggressive crackdown on U.S.-bound migrants by the Mexican government, according to senior U.S. officials.
May is on track to see the third consecutive month-over-month drop in illegal border crossings, with preliminary statistics showing that Border Patrol is on pace to record between 110,000 and 120,000 apprehensions in May. This is a significant decrease from the all-time high of a quarter of a million in December. The Biden administration is admitting approximately 1,500 asylum-seekers per day at official border crossings, which is contributing to the elevated migration levels but is still lower compared to pre-pandemic levels. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas credited Biden administration efforts for the downward trend in illegal crossings.
As President Biden faces criticism from Republicans and moderate Democrats who believe his immigration agenda is too lenient, and progressives who argue his administration has embraced some Trump-era border policies, he is considering an executive order to suspend asylum processing along the southern border when illegal crossings spike. The executive order would rely on a broad presidential authority known as 212(f) and could be implemented in June. Senate Democrats tried and failed to advance a bipartisan border security bill that would give the president the power to shut down asylum between ports of entry when illegal border crossings reach certain levels, highlighting the Republican opposition to the legislation.
Mayorkas expressed disappointment over the rejection of the border security bill and emphasized the need for solutions to border security. The Biden administration is exploring options to strengthen border security in line with the law and country’s values. Mayorkas also emphasized the importance of building lawful pathways for people who qualify for relief to reach the United States in a safe, orderly, and legal way. Administration officials have urged Congress to reform the U.S. immigration system, warning that any executive action could face legal challenges. With immigration emerging as a top concern for American voters, the Biden administration is facing pressure to address border security and immigration policy ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
