Over 302,000 Migrants Flood Into US Southern Border In December

In December, a record number of migrants, over 302,000, came to the U.S. southern border. This is the highest number ever recorded in a month, surpassing September’s numbers. 

It’s so many people that they could fill the Las Vegas Super Bowl stadium more than four times. Most of these people, nearly 250,000, arrived between official border entry points.

A photo by John Moore shows immigrants at a U.S. Border Patrol center in Texas after crossing the border from Mexico on December 20, 2023.

Since 2021, the southern border has seen a large increase in migrants. In the fiscal year 2023, there were more than 2.4 million migrant encounters. 

This number doesn’t include those who weren’t caught, estimated to be over 800,000, or those entering through a special program for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

In December, 19 people on the terror watch list were arrested at the southern border. This list includes known or suspected terrorists. So far, in the fiscal year 2024, there have been 50 such arrests.

Border security is a big issue in politics. In Texas, there’s a disagreement with the federal government about a park and security measures like razor wire. 

The US Supreme Court has allowed the Biden administration to continue some practices. Cities that offer protection to migrants, known as “sanctuary cities,” are asking for help due to the large number of migrants arriving, some sent by Texas.

In Washington D.C., discussions are ongoing about a border security funding bill. The White House wants $14 billion for things like community aid, more staff, and faster removal of people. Republicans want to include rules about asylum and limits on humanitarian parole.

The Biden administration says the immigration system is broken and needs reform and funding from Congress. It blames Republicans for turning it into a political issue. The administration also mentions many removals and fentanyl drug seizures.

CBP’s acting Commissioner, Troy Miller, says they are working hard to manage the border situation and need more support from Congress.

Republicans blame the Biden administration for the crisis, accusing it of encouraging illegal entry. They are trying to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, saying he is not doing his job properly. House Homeland Security Chair Mark Green calls the situation a disaster caused intentionally.