(DCWatchdog.com) – Due to the current administration’s open border approach, the U.S.-Mexico border saw a massive increase in illegal aliens in September, reaching numbers that set a new record for the Border Patrol.
The data reveals that the Border Patrol encountered 218,777 individuals attempting to cross the southern border that month. This figure is the highest ever recorded for the month of September, with records tracing back to at least the year 2000.
To give some perspective, the culmination of the fiscal year 2023 saw Border Patrol apprehensions exceeding 2 million. The previous high for September was recorded in 2022, with the Border Patrol encountering 207,597 illegal migrants.
When approached for a statement, a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated, “It is the policy of CBP to neither confirm nor speak to potentially improperly disclosed information or internal documents marked as law enforcement sensitive or for official use only.” Furthermore, the spokesperson referenced an earlier statement by Troy A. Miller, a high-ranking official at the CBP, concerning the surge of encounters in August, which numbered 181,059.
Addressing this situation, Miller had previously commented, “CBP remains vigilant in the face of ruthless smugglers and transnational criminal organizations who exploit vulnerable migrants, the same criminal organizations trafficking in lethal drugs that harm our communities.” He further explained that the agency has bolstered its efforts in response to the surge and remains devoted to its primary mission of border security and immigration law enforcement.
Highlighting their proactive approach, Miller stated, “We are maximizing consequences against those without a legal basis to remain in the United States, including by processing more individuals into expedited removal than ever before.” He also praised the dedication of CBP personnel in ensuring the nation’s safety.
The challenges at the border prompted action from the Biden administration, which announced plans in early October to construct additional barriers in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.
However, in Eagle Pass, the Border Patrol was instructed to dismantle barriers set up by Texas’ Republican Governor, Greg Abbott, intended to discourage illegal crossings. Notably, a significant portion of migrants in this area in September hailed from Venezuela.
Commenting on the ongoing situation, Victor Avila, a former homeland security agent currently campaigning for a Congressional seat representing a part of south Texas, which encompasses Eagle Pass, remarked, “What is happening right here is completely against our own immigration laws, against our own constitution and we’re allowing this administration to continue to do this.” He expressed concerns over the unchecked flow of migrants without them seeking formal asylum or expressing credible fears of returning to their native countries.
