NEWYou now have the option to listen to news articles!
The situation at the southern border has significantly improved.
According to United States Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks, there were only 4,399 apprehensions at the southwest border in July, marking a record low for the month. This is the third consecutive month with zero releases, setting a new all-time low compared to the previous record of 6,070 in June.
In July, there was an average of 141 apprehensions per day at the southern border, a stark contrast to the peak of the crisis during the Biden administration which saw over 10,000 apprehensions on some days in December 2023.
The high number of crossings in the past had put a strain on resources in small border communities, leading to challenges for border agents in managing the influx while also fulfilling duties at legal ports of entry.
Under the Trump administration, efforts were made to secure the border, including the deployment of troops and the closure of the CBP One app commonly used by individuals crossing illegally to seek asylum.
The app was replaced with CBP Home, a tool for facilitating self-deportation. The Department of Homeland Security has been offering incentives for voluntary departure, including a $1,000 payment and free travel outside the U.S. Deportation initiatives have been ramped up across the country, particularly in areas with sanctuary policies.
With the recent passage of the Trump-backed spending bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, resources for border and immigration enforcement are expected to receive a significant boost. This includes funding for border security measures and recruitment of additional ICE agents.
