In a remarkable demonstration of dedication and efficiency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently reported a significant decline in migrant encounters along the southwest border, marking the lowest figures since September 2020. This achievement is a testament to the agency’s unwavering commitment to securing our borders and enforcing immigration laws, even in the face of complex challenges and evolving threats.
The latest operational statistics released for July 2024 reveal that U.S. Border Patrol encounters decreased by an impressive 32% compared to June 2024. This drop is not only a significant reduction from the previous month but also marks the lowest monthly total since before the pandemic, lower even than the numbers recorded in July 2019. These statistics underscore the effectiveness of the Presidential Proclamation issued on June 4, 2024, by President Biden, which temporarily suspended the entry of certain noncitizens across the southern border. The success of this policy, coupled with the efforts of CBP, is a clear indication that strategic and well-implemented border security measures can yield tangible results.
CBP’s Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner, Troy A. Miller, highlighted the agency’s success in delivering consequences for illegal entry, contributing to the dramatic decrease in encounters. This accomplishment is the result of close collaboration with international partners, aimed at targeting transnational criminal organizations that profit from human trafficking and smuggling. These organizations, driven by greed, prioritize profit over human lives, creating chaos and endangering countless people. CBP’s enhanced enforcement efforts, particularly in the fight against the fentanyl supply chain, have been instrumental in curbing these illegal activities. Notably, the agency recently made the largest fentanyl seizure in its history, a clear indication of the effectiveness of their expanded operations.
The June 4 Presidential Proclamation and the accompanying Interim Final Rule (IFR) have had a profound impact on reducing irregular migration. Encounters between ports of entry have decreased by 55% since the Proclamation’s implementation, leading to a significant increase in the number of migrants removed and returned to their home countries. The DHS has operated more than 300 international repatriation flights since the Proclamation, tripling the percentage of noncitizens processed for expedited removal. These actions have not only strengthened border security but have also decreased the number of individuals released pending their removal proceedings, providing a robust deterrent against illegal entry.
The July 2024 statistics paint a clear picture of success: the Border Patrol recorded 56,408 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border, a 32% decrease from June 2024. Total southwest border irregular encounters, including those who presented at ports of entry without a CBP One appointment, also saw a significant decline of 30%. This reduction was consistent across all demographics, with decreases in encounters of unaccompanied children, single adults, and family units. These results are a direct outcome of the strong, coordinated efforts between the United States and its international partners to disrupt irregular migration and address emerging threats posed by transnational criminal organizations.
The implementation of the Presidential Proclamation and IFR has further empowered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce measures against individuals who pose public safety or national security threats. By rendering individuals who enter unlawfully ineligible for asylum, the IFR has facilitated the swift removal of those attempting to enter the country without authorization, including gang members and other criminal elements. DHS has also bolstered its frontline border security operations by returning more Border Patrol agents to the field, ensuring that individuals who pose a threat to public safety are interdicted and removed.
CBP’s vigilance extends beyond border security, encompassing a comprehensive approach to protecting American communities from a wide range of threats. The agency has implemented enhanced screening measures to identify known or suspected gang members, such as those affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. These individuals are referred for criminal prosecution and detained pending their removal, ensuring that dangerous elements do not gain a foothold in the United States.
In addition to its law enforcement duties, CBP continues to offer safe, orderly, and lawful pathways for migrants. The CBP One™ mobile application, a key tool in this effort, has significantly increased CBP’s capacity to process migrants efficiently and humanely, while simultaneously reducing the influence of smugglers who exploit vulnerable individuals. The app has proven to be a crucial resource, with over 765,000 individuals successfully scheduling appointments at ports of entry since its introduction in January 2023. The app’s success is evident in the large number of individuals, particularly from Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, and Haiti, who have been processed and granted entry through legal channels, avoiding the dangers of illegal crossings.
CBP’s commitment to facilitating lawful trade and travel is equally commendable. Despite the challenges posed by increased traveler volumes and complex trade operations, the agency has continued to process millions of travelers and billions of dollars in merchandise with remarkable efficiency. The recent launch of the Global Entry mobile app and the ongoing use of the Mobile Passport Control app have streamlined the entry process for travelers, reducing congestion and enhancing the overall experience for international visitors.
Furthermore, CBP’s efforts to eradicate forced labor from supply chains and protect consumers from counterfeit goods demonstrate the agency’s dedication to upholding ethical standards and safeguarding the American economy. In July 2024 alone, CBP seized 2,230 shipments containing counterfeit goods valued at over $1.2 billion. By intercepting these illicit products, CBP is not only protecting consumers but also defending the integrity of U.S. businesses and the livelihoods of American workers.
As the largest law enforcement agency in the United States, CBP plays a crucial role in defending our nation’s agricultural system from potential threats. The agency’s agriculture specialists work tirelessly to prevent restricted and prohibited plant and animal products from entering the country, safeguarding America’s food supply and agricultural industry.
In conclusion, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s July 2024 operational statistics reflect an agency that is not only meeting but exceeding its mission objectives. Through strategic enforcement actions, innovative technology, and international collaboration, CBP is effectively securing our borders, facilitating lawful trade and travel, and protecting the American public from a myriad of threats. The agency’s accomplishments deserve commendation, as they exemplify the highest standards of service and dedication to the safety and security of the United States. As we move forward, it is clear that CBP will continue to play a pivotal role in addressing the complex challenges facing our nation, ensuring that our borders remain secure and that those who seek to enter do so through lawful and safe means.–Analysis by Ali with CBP data inputs