Border Encounters Drop by 50% in January, CBP Reports

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a significant reduction in migrant encounters along the Southwest border, with a 50% decrease in January compared to December. Troy A. Miller, CBP’s senior official, attributed this decline to seasonal trends and increased enforcement efforts by CBP personnel and international partners. Despite this progress, Miller emphasized that the border still faces serious challenges that exceed the capacity of the immigration system.

CBP’s efforts have also led to a substantial increase in the interception of dangerous drugs, with a 34% rise in fentanyl and a 68% increase in cocaine interceptions compared to the previous month. In January, CBP recorded 124,220 migrant encounters between ports of entry, a stark decrease from December’s 249,735 encounters. However, the agency noted that the actual number of border crossings might be higher, as “encounters” only account for individuals intercepted by CBP, with most not staying in the country.

Furthermore, CBP highlighted that the majority of individuals encountered at the Southwest border over the past three years have been removed, returned, or expelled, with total removals and returns exceeding those in any full fiscal year since 2013. The number of total encounters along the Southwest border also saw a 42% decrease, dropping from 301,973 in December to 176,205 in January.