Illegal crossings on the southern border decrease in July

The number of migrant apprehensions at the U.S. border with Mexico fell in July from the previous month, authorities reported Monday, marking a second straight monthly decline.

Flows remained unusually high, especially among nationalities least affected by Title 42, a standard of the time of the pandemic that denies migrants the legal right to apply for asylum on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. In theory, Title 42 it applies to all nationalities, but costs, diplomatic relations, and other considerations often dictate who is removed under the rule.

US authorities made 199,976 migrant apprehensions in July, 3.8% less than the 207,933 in June and 6.8% less than the 213,593 in July 2021, according to the Customs and Border Protection Office.

“Although encounter numbers remain high, this is a positive trend and the first drop in two consecutive months since October 2021,” Commissioner Chris Magnus said.

Authorities detained fewer Mexicans, Guatemalans, Hondurans, and Salvadorans in July compared to June. Mexico has agreed to receive people from all those countries who are removed under Title 42, a relatively easy task for Border Patrol agents due to Mexico’s proximity.

People from countries most likely to be released into the United States with notices to appear in immigration court were detained more often. Border Patrol agents made 17,603 apprehensions of Venezuelans in July, 34% more than in June and nearly triple the number in July 2021.

Similarly, there were 20,080 arrests of Cubans, 25% more than in June and almost six times more than in June 2021. Colombians were also arrested more frequently.

Del Rio, Texas, was again the most used corridor for illegal crossings between the nine Border Patrol sectors on the border with Mexico, with agents making 49,563 migrant apprehensions there in July. The Rio Grande Valley, also in Texas, which had long been the busiest, came in a distant second with 35,180 arrests.

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