U.S. to Reopen Border Crossings with Mexico as Migrant Numbers Decline
In response to a reduction in illegal immigration levels, U.S. border authorities have announced the reopening of four legal U.S.-Mexico border crossings, scheduled for Thursday. The move comes as apprehensions of migrants have notably receded, allowing for a more manageable situation and freeing up personnel for improved border operations.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed that operations will resume at an international bridge in Eagle Pass, Texas, along with two crossings in Arizona and another near San Diego, California. Despite the reopening, the CBP highlighted its commitment to prioritizing border security "as necessary."
December saw U.S. border authorities grappling with the challenge of processing migrants, with apprehensions reaching nearly 11,000 in a single day, marking a significant strain on resources. Current and former officials noted that these figures were near or at a record high.
While the U.S. works to address the ongoing immigration concerns, lawmakers are engaged in discussions over a potential deal that combines increased border security measures with foreign aid, including military funding for Ukraine, according to U.S. officials.
President Joe Biden expressed the need for action, stating, "We gotta do something. They ought to give me the money I need to protect the border," upon his arrival at the White House on Tuesday evening, seemingly directing his comments towards Congress.
Collaborative efforts between Mexican and U.S. officials have been reinforced, with both nations pledging to work more closely to tackle the challenges of record migration at their shared border. Top U.S. officials recently traveled to Mexico for discussions with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
To address the issue, Mexican officials have intensified immigration enforcement in recent weeks, implementing measures such as relocating migrants to southern Mexico and resuming deportation flights to Venezuela, as revealed by a senior U.S. official during a media briefing on Tuesday.
The reopening of the border crossings has been welcomed by Mexico, with the country's foreign ministry expressing optimism about the positive impact on the economies of both nations.
According to an internal U.S. government report reviewed by Reuters, U.S. border authorities have reported a significant decline in migrant arrests, averaging 6,400 per day over the past week. However, a cautionary note from another U.S. official on the call highlighted that migrant crossings have historically dropped between Christmas and New Year's Day, signifying the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness to respond to potential surges in the future.
