Encounters at the U.S. southern border once again surpassed 10,000 in a single day on Tuesday, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources. Despite being lower than the record-breaking 12,000 in one day last week, the numbers continue to strain Border Patrol agents. The Tucson and Del Rio sectors reported encountering 3,000 and 2,700 migrants, respectively, each surpassing their capacities by over 200%. Agents have also been met with groups of more than 100 migrants at various locations, indicating an ongoing trend orchestrated by Transnational Criminal Organizations, a CBP agent suggested.
Lawmakers have been briefed on the daily release of 5,000 illegal immigrants into the U.S., to be added to the 1,600 migrants who are processed and released through humanitarian parole each day. Migrants arriving at ports of entry have reportedly come from over 150 countries. A notable increase was observed on Tuesday, with more than 190 Chinese nationals encountered in the San Diego sector, and over 120 nationals from Guinea encountered in the Tucson sector.
The surge in people crossing the border comes after a record year with more than 2.4 million encounters and high figures in September and October. The unseasonal upsurge continues against the trend of a drop during the winter months. As this is happening, lawmakers are debating the White House’s funding request for border measures, alongside aid for Ukraine and Israel. This new request includes $14 billion for border funding, covering migrant care, expedited removal costs, and support for overwhelmed cities.
