US (Washington Insider Magazine)— The U.S. Border Patrol has recorded a staggering influx of migrants in December 2023, processing over 225,000 individuals who entered the country illegally within the first 27 days of the month. This unprecedented figure, derived from internal federal statistics obtained by CBS News, underscores the significant migration crisis currently confronting the Biden administration.
The December total surpasses the previous monthly record of 224,000 apprehensions set in May 2022. It excludes the approximately 50,000 migrants processed monthly through legal entry points, primarily via a smartphone app utilized by the Biden administration.
The surge in crossings peaked before Christmas, particularly during the week of December 14-20, when Border Patrol averaged nearly 9,800 daily apprehensions, with some days exceeding 10,000. Although crossings have decreased slightly in the following week, the numbers remain historically high, with 7,759 migrants processed on Wednesday.
Experts warn that the current levels of migration are unsustainable. Theresa Cardinal Brown, a former U.S. immigration official, emphasized the overwhelming challenge of managing such high numbers, stating, “We can’t keep funding the system for more and more people.”
Approximately 60% of December’s migrant crossings occurred in the Tucson, Arizona, and Del Rio, Texas, sectors, where Border Patrol has reported daily unlawful crossings of 2,000 to 3,000. The surge has forced many migrants to sleep outdoors due to insufficient processing capacity.
In response, Customs and Border Protection has deployed additional personnel and resources to these overwhelmed sectors, aiming to address the influx and ensure the safety of both migrants and border communities.
The Biden administration faces immense political pressure as it navigates the complexities of immigration policy leading up to the 2024 election. Public opinion has consistently reflected dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of border issues, amplifying criticisms from both Republicans and concerned Democrats.
Border towns like Eagle Pass, Texas, and larger cities such as Chicago and New York City have become critical hubs for migrants, straining local resources. Mayors from these cities have issued urgent pleas for increased federal support, warning they may soon be unable to accommodate new arrivals.
The administration has taken steps to assist migrants, including helping 10,000 individuals apply for work permits and expediting their processing. However, negotiations continue in Congress regarding proposed restrictions on asylum and deportation authority, with Republican lawmakers linking military aid to Ukraine with tougher border policies.
The crisis reached a turning point as top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to address migration challenges. While Mexico has implemented new enforcement actions, further details remain undisclosed, and both countries plan to meet again in January to evaluate progress and explore additional solutions.
