Recent data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed a significant 29% decrease in arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico in June, marking the lowest month of President Joe Biden's tenure. The total number of arrests in June stood at 83,536, a notable decline from 117,901 in May and the lowest figure recorded since January 2021.
The drop in arrests can be attributed to a new rule implemented to temporarily suspend asylum processing, announced by President Biden on June 4. This measure led to a swift response, with daily arrests plummeting by more than half by the end of June, once the threshold of 2,500 daily arrests triggering the suspension was reached.
Acting Customs and Border Protection commissioner, Troy Miller, highlighted the impact of recent border security measures in imposing consequences on those attempting to cross unlawfully. The enforcement efforts have been effective, with arrests already halved from a peak of 250,000 in December, largely due to increased enforcement by Mexican authorities.
The decline in arrests was observed across various nationalities, including Mexicans and Chinese nationals. Notably, the suspension of asylum processing has had a significant impact on Mexicans, while Chinese individuals often take a route through Ecuador to reach the U.S. border overland.
San Diego emerged as the busiest sector among the nine bordering Mexico in terms of arrests, followed by Tucson, Arizona. On a positive note, over 41,000 individuals successfully entered the U.S. legally in June through the CBP One online appointment app. Since its launch in January 2023, the app has facilitated 680,500 successful appointments.
Furthermore, nearly half a million individuals from four countries have entered the U.S. under a policy allowing for two-year stays, provided they have financial sponsors and arrive at an airport. This group includes 104,130 Cubans, 194,027 Haitians, 86,101 Nicaraguans, and 110,541 Venezuelans, according to CBP data.
