Border Agents Struggle with Influx of Migrants
Sources have revealed that the US-Mexico border is facing an overwhelming influx of migrants, as agents continue to process and transport over 4,500 individuals at the busy crossing point. The situation is compounded by the fact that more than 5,300 migrants are already in custody, pushing facilities to operate at a staggering 260% over capacity. This means that the tiny border sector is currently dealing with over 10,000 migrants in total, equivalent to roughly a third of the entire population of Eagle Pass. Additionally, border agents find themselves outmanned at a ratio of 200:1.
Arizona’s National Guard Deployed to Assist
In response to the escalating crisis, Arizona’s Democratic Governor, Katie Hobbs, has deployed the National Guard to assist overwhelmed agents at the border. Governor Hobbs emphasized the need for resources and manpower to handle the influx of migrants and maintain a secure, orderly, and humane border. She stated, “Arizona needs resources and manpower to reopen the Lukeville crossing, manage the flow of migrants, and maintain a secure, orderly, and humane border.”
Record Numbers of Encounters and Releases
The border region has seen a record number of encounters in FY 23, with 2.4 million individuals crossing the border. September recorded the highest number of encounters on record, and October also set a new record for the month. Contrary to expectations of a slowdown, November and December are likely to post near-record or record-breaking numbers. Agents now routinely encounter over 10,000 individuals per day.
Furthermore, it was reported last week that approximately 670,000 “gotaways” managed to evade Border Patrol agents in FY 23. Additionally, an average of over 1,600 migrants are being released to non-governmental organizations each day. The Biden administration has also expanded “lawful pathways,” resulting in the arrival of up to 30,000 Haitian, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, and Cuban migrants per month.
Administration Seeks Funding and Immigration Reform
The Biden administration has acknowledged the crisis and expressed the need for additional funding and immigration reform legislation from Congress. As part of over $100 billion supplemental funding requests, the administration has requested additional support. However, Republicans have demanded stricter limits on humanitarian parole and higher asylum standards.
Talks between lawmakers have been ongoing, with the Biden administration expressing openness to “significant compromises.” Reports suggest that they are considering a Title 42-type expulsion authority to facilitate the rapid removal of migrants in certain circumstances. They are also open to greater detention and a nationwide expedited removal program.
Deal Unlikely Before Christmas
The hope of reaching a deal before Christmas seems unlikely as lawmakers continue negotiations. Republican Senator James Lankford, one of the lawmakers involved in the talks, remains optimistic about progress being made. He stated, “We finally have everybody at the table and everyone admitting that this is a national security crisis that we do have to address. That’s actually progress.”
The deepening migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border highlights the urgent need for effective solutions and cooperation between political parties to address the challenges faced by border agents and the communities affected by the influx of migrants.
