CBP Reports 212,672 Migrant Encounters in July, Reaching 21-Year High
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Customs and Border Protection apprehended 212,672 migrants at the southwestern border in July, the agency said Thursday, a 12% increase from 188,000 encounters in June. Only 154,288 encounters were unique, however, with 27% involving migrants previously encountered in the last year. Many of the migrants were expelled, CBP said: “The vast majority of single adults and many families continue to be expelled under the CDC’s Title 42 authority, and those who cannot be expelled under Title 42 and do not have a legal basis to remain are placed in expedited removal proceedings.” While visiting the border, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the situation there was “one of the toughest challenges we face” and that it was “complicated, changing and involves vulnerable people at a time of a global pandemic.”
Several headlines from across the spectrum, mostly from center- and right-rated outlets, highlighted that July's border encounters marked a 21-year monthly high. Coverage in some right-rated outlets referred to the large number of migrants as “grim.” Related coverage in some outlets, particularly but not exclusively on the right, focused on concerns of COVID-19 spread and recent overcrowding at migrant facilities.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Center
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...
From the Right
Border Patrol Encountered 212,000 Migrants in July, Breaking 21-Year Record
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced Thursday that border patrol agents apprehended over 212,000 undocumented migrants in July, breaking the 200,000 threshold for the first time in 21 years, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.
During a stop at the border in Texas, Mayorkas commented that 212,672 migrants were encountered in July, a 13 percent increase over the influx of 188,000 migrants encountered in June. He acknowledged that the rapidly deteriorating situation at the border constitutes a crisis, calling it “one of the toughest challenges we face.”
From the Left
US encounters 'unprecedented' number of migrants at southern border, Homeland Security chief says
The Biden administration is facing a "serious challenge" at the US southern border, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday, saying the US has encountered an "unprecedented" number of migrants illegally crossing the border.
During a news conference in Brownsville, Texas, Mayorkas stressed the sharp increase of migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border, many of whom are fleeing deteriorating conditions in their home countries.
In July, US Customs and Border Protection apprehended 212,672 people, up from June and amid some of the hottest summer weeks -- when arrests usually dip -- and of those,...
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