The number of arrests for illegally crossing the U.S. southern border with Mexico in February saw a slight increase compared to the previous month. Despite concerns about immigration, the figures remain relatively low during President Joe Biden's term.
Customs and Border Protection reported 140,644 arrests by Border Patrol agents of individuals attempting to enter the country between legal border crossing points in February. This data, along with information on immigration, trade, and fentanyl seizures, is released monthly by CBP and closely monitored amid heightened political focus on border security.
Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have criticized Biden's policies, alleging they incentivize migrants to come to the U.S. and claiming a lack of control over the border. In response, the Biden administration points to global trends of people fleeing their homes in search of safety and highlights the need for bipartisan cooperation on border security funding.
Following a record high of 249,785 arrests in December, the numbers dropped significantly in January and February. Mexican enforcement efforts and seasonal patterns affecting migrant crossings have been cited as factors contributing to this decline.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas credited Mexico's enhanced enforcement measures for the decrease in border encounters, particularly in Arizona. However, the Tucson sector in Arizona remained the busiest region for migrant crossings in February, followed by San Diego and El Paso, Texas.
An app called CBP One has been instrumental in managing border chaos by allowing migrants to schedule appointments at official crossing points for entry into the U.S. Additionally, the administration has admitted 386,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela under a humanitarian parole program, requiring a U.S. financial sponsor and entry via American airports.
Despite these efforts, Republicans have raised concerns about the app and humanitarian parole, accusing the administration of circumventing immigration laws to admit ineligible individuals into the country.
