Migrant Crossings Dip in March as Mexico's Enforcement Efforts Play a Major Role

In March, the number of migrants apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border witnessed a surprising dip, as per internal government statistics obtained by CBS News. Border Patrol agents detained over 137,000 migrants who crossed the U.S. southern border unlawfully in March, marking a decrease from nearly 141,000 in February, according to preliminary Customs and Border Protection (CBP) figures confirmed by three U.S. officials.

Uncommon Trend

The decrease in illegal crossings during March marks the first time in seven years that such a trend has been observed, and it is the only instance during the Biden administration where illegal entries along the U.S.-Mexico border did not increase from February to March, as per historical CBP statistics. Notably, over the past three years, illegal crossings have shown a consistent spike during this time period, with at least 33,000 additional apprehensions.

Migration Patterns

It is anticipated that the spring will witness an increase in migration, as historically observed. However, the unexpected reduction in the number of illegal crossings in March serves as a relief for the Biden administration, which has been grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and political turmoil due to the surge in migrant numbers.

Factors Contributing to the Decrease

The intricacies of migration, influenced by ever-changing push and pull factors, make it challenging to pinpoint a single reason for the decline in migrant crossings. U.S. officials surmise that Mexico's intensified efforts to curb U.S.-bound migration have played a pivotal role in the reduced number of unlawful entries recorded by American authorities. The Mexican government's increased actions, such as deploying additional authorities to prevent migrant movement and deporting intercepted migrants further south, have been highlighted by the officials as contributing factors to the decrease in illegal crossings in March.

In addition to Mexico's actions, the U.S. has seen a rise in deportations, with over 630,000 migrants, including nearly 100,000 parents and children traveling as families, being deported or returned to Mexico or their home countries since May. Notably, the U.S. conducted 39 deportation flights in one week in March, marking a record, as per a senior CBP official.

Regional Migration Trends

The busiest sectors for illegal crossings in March remained the areas near San Diego and Tucson. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a vocal critic of the Biden administration's immigration policies, has acknowledged the concentration of illegal crossings in Arizona and California in recent months, attributing it to efforts to fortify the banks of the Rio Grande with razor wire and other barriers.

The Biden administration remains committed to collaborating with other countries, including Mexico, to combat the criminal groups smuggling migrants into the U.S., as stated by CBP spokeswoman Erin Waters. Moreover, she emphasized the need for Congress to take action and provide additional resources to address the persistent challenges along the border.

Long-term Solutions

Ariel Ruiz, an analyst at the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute, cautioned against relying solely on Mexican immigration enforcement as a durable solution for the U.S., citing the creation of a "bottleneck" of migrants in Mexico due to the limitations on deportations to other countries. The potential pressures that might arise from these circumstances could lead migrants to continue their journey to the United States, especially in the event of changes in administrations or elections in Mexico.

Necessity for Comprehensive Reform

Amid considerations to tighten asylum rules at the southern border, the Biden administration has emphasized the necessity for Congress to reform the overwhelmed immigration system, last updated in the 1990s, indicating that any executive action would not be a substitute for comprehensive legislative reform.