SAN DIEGO (AP) — US-Mexico Border Arrests Expected to Drop 30% in July to a New Low for Biden's Presidency
United States-Mexico border arrests are expected to plummet by about 30% in July, reaching a new low for President Joe Biden's administration, according to U.S. authorities. This significant decline raises hopes that a temporary ban on asylum may soon be lifted. The U.S. Border Patrol anticipates arresting migrants approximately 57,000 times during the month, a sharp decrease from the 83,536 arrests recorded in June, which was the previous low under Biden's presidency. These figures, provided by two U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, mark the lowest monthly tally since September 2020, when 40,507 arrests were made amid the global slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The trend of declining border arrests began even before the Biden administration invoked powers to suspend asylum on June 5. Since then, the numbers have halved again, significantly alleviating pressure on the White House from critics, including former President Donald Trump and other Republicans, who have accused Democrats of failing to manage the border effectively. The current asylum halt could potentially end if daily arrests drop below 1,500 over a seven-day average, a scenario that Customs and Border Protection officials are cautiously preparing for, with daily arrests currently hovering between 1,600 and 1,700.
The asylum restrictions deny a chance at asylum to anyone crossing the border illegally, with unaccompanied children being the sole exception. Others may seek alternative forms of protection, albeit with more stringent criteria and fewer benefits. Immigrant advocacy groups are actively challenging these measures in court.
In response to the anticipated July numbers, the Department of Homeland Security referred to a previous statement indicating a 55% drop in arrests since the asylum restrictions took effect. San Diego continues to be the busiest corridor for illegal crossings, followed by Tucson, Arizona. The most significant declines in arrests have been among nationalities that are easiest to deport, such as Mexicans, though other countries are also showing reduced migration due to various travel restrictions. Notably, Chinese migration seems to have slowed due to new visa requirements in Ecuador and increased U.S. deportations to China.
This development at the U.S.-Mexico border underscores a complex interplay of policy, enforcement, and international relations, with significant implications for both immigration policy and diplomatic strategies.