Significant Decline in Migrant Encounters as CBP Releases June 2024 Monthly Update

CBP Releases June 2024 Monthly Update

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released its operational statistics for the month of June 2024. The newly published data reveals notable trends and efforts in managing the security and humanitarian challenges at the southern border.

The most significant development noted in the report is a substantial decline in migrant encounters, attributed to a new Presidential Proclamation made by President Biden on June 4, 2024. The proclamation temporarily suspends the entry of certain noncitizens at the southern border, a move that appears to have had an immediate impact.

Decline in Border Patrol Encounters

Following the proclamation, Border Patrol encounters between ports of entry in June 2024 were reported to be 29% lower than those recorded in May 2024. This reduction marks the lowest monthly total of such encounters along the southwest border since January 2021.

CBP continues to work in close collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process individuals encountered at the border swiftly. The focus remains on removing individuals who do not have a legal basis to stay in the United States.

Enforcement and Rescue Efforts

Enforcement measures have proven to be effective, as highlighted by the DHS statistic indicating that from May 12, 2023, to April 3, 2024, over 660,000 individuals were removed or returned, with the majority having crossed the southwest border. Among those, more than 102,000 were individual family members.

CBP’s commitment extends beyond enforcement to rescue operations. The U.S. Border Patrol’s Missing Migrant Program, initiated in 2017, focuses on locating noncitizens reported missing, rescuing those in distress, and reuniting the remains of decedents with their families.

Technology also plays a crucial role in border management. The CBP One mobile application is a cornerstone of DHS’s strategy, incentivizing noncitizens to utilize lawful, safe, and orderly pathways and processes. This digital approach aims to provide accessible and humane options for those seeking entry into the U.S.

Additionally, CBP continues its concerted efforts to combat human smuggling. Through collaboration with both federal and international partners, the agency remains dedicated to targeting transnational criminal organizations and smugglers who exploit and profit from migrants.