CBP’s Enforcement Efforts Show Results

Significant Decrease in Border Encounters

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a considerable decline in the number of encounters at the southwest border following the introduction of new asylum restrictions. In March 2024, the agency noted that encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border had dropped by 45% compared to December 2023, and were 16% lower than those in March 2023. This reduction underscores the impact of recent policy changes aimed at managing migration more effectively.

According to CBP’s latest figures, there were a total of 189,372 encounters along the southwest border in March 2024. This number includes both U.S. Border Patrol interactions between ports of entry and individuals who presented themselves directly at ports of entry. The agency attributes this decline to increased enforcement measures and collaborative efforts with international partners.

Collaborative Efforts and Technological Initiatives

CBP has stepped up its collaboration with both U.S. and foreign partners to address irregular migration and combat human trafficking. By working together, these entities aim to disrupt the operations of Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) that exploit migration routes. Their combined efforts are geared towards creating a more secure and orderly immigration process.

One of the key tools in this effort is the CBP One™ mobile application. This app is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s strategy to promote lawful, safe, humane, and orderly pathways and processes for noncitizens. The app is designed to incentivize the use of legal channels for migration, thereby reducing the reliance on dangerous and irregular routes.

Strains and Rescues

Despite these significant achievements, the immigration system remains strained due to outdated laws and insufficient resources. There is a backlog of over one million asylum cases, and more than 2.4 million immigration court cases are currently pending. These extensive backlogs highlight the urgent need for systemic reform to address these structural challenges.

In addition to enforcement efforts, the U.S. Border Patrol has been actively engaged in rescue operations. In March 2024 alone, they conducted 439 rescues, marking a 77% increase from January 2024. This brings the total number of rescues for the fiscal year 2024 to 2,488, showcasing the life-saving efforts of the agency amidst challenging conditions.

Overall, while the recent decrease in border encounters is a positive development, the CBP and related agencies continue to face significant challenges. Enhanced cooperation with international partners, the utilization of technology, and comprehensive systemic reform are essential in sustaining progress and addressing the complexities of immigration enforcement and humanitarian efforts.