In March, the number of migrants apprehended along the U.S.-Mexico border decreased, with over 137,000 migrants being apprehended, compared to nearly 141,000 in February. This is the first time in seven years, and the only time during the Biden administration, that illegal crossings did not increase from February to March. While officials expect an increase in migration in the spring, the lower numbers in March provide a reprieve for the Biden administration, which has been dealing with a humanitarian crisis and political challenges due to record numbers of migrants crossing the southern border.
There are various factors influencing the drop in migrant crossings, with American officials crediting Mexico’s increased efforts to curb U.S.-bound migration as a major reason for the decline. Mexico has deployed additional authorities to prevent migrants from traveling to the American border via freight trains or buses and is deporting intercepted migrants further south. Additionally, increased deportations by the U.S., with over 630,000 migrants deported or returned since May, have also contributed to the downtick in crossings. The drop in illegal crossings in March was most evident among non-Mexican migrants, showcasing Mexico’s significant enforcement efforts to disrupt transportation networks moving people to the border.
In March, the busiest sectors for illegal crossings remained near San Diego and Tucson, with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott claiming credit for illegal crossings concentrating in Arizona and California due to the state’s efforts to fortify the banks of the Rio Grande. While these efforts may be deterring some migrants, the U.S. Border Patrol chief emphasized that Mexico’s actions are also playing a role in reducing illegal crossings. The Biden administration remains committed to working with Mexico and other countries to combat criminal groups smuggling migrants into the U.S. and address the challenges along the border.
Despite the temporary reprieve in March, relying on Mexican enforcement alone is not considered a durable solution for the U.S. Some analysts caution that Mexico’s actions could lead to a bottleneck of migrants in the country, potentially increasing pressure on the U.S. if Mexican enforcement cannot keep up. President Biden has considered tightening asylum rules at the southern border using executive action, but officials emphasize that this alone would not address the need for congressional reform of the immigration system. The administration recognizes that there is no easy solution to the immigration challenges and remains vigilant in monitoring migration patterns and adjusting operations as needed.
