Migrant Border Arrests in July Surge to Highest Level in 21 Years

The Border Patrol made about 200,000 arrests at the southern border in July, marking the busiest month at the border in 21 years and a 12% increase over the previous month, according to new figures released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Thursday.

The number marks a departure from seasonal trends that would typically see fewer migrants attempting the dangerous journey at the peak of the summer heat.

Nearly 19,000 unaccompanied children crossed the border in July—almost equal to the record set this March. And 76,000 parents and children crossed the border together as families, the second-highest total ever and a significant jump from June.

The CBP data only includes the number of arrests and doesn’t account for people who made it across the border without being apprehended—typically single adults in search of work who don’t intend to ask for asylum.