Border arrests remain stagnant as Biden's term comes to an end

In December 2024, arrests for illegally crossing the border from Mexico remained steady, with about 44,000 arrests recorded as of December 30, illustrating a continuous trend of reduced illegal crossings. This figure suggests that the month may finish similarly to November, which had 46,612 arrests. The numbers indicate a significant decline in arrests compared to past years, falling below monthly averages noted in 2019 for the sixth consecutive month, as 2024 comes to a close. These low levels of border arrests signal a notable achievement for the current administration as they approach the end of President Joe Biden's term. The decrease in illegal crossings can be attributed to several factors, including intensified enforcement efforts by Mexican authorities and the introduction of strict asylum regulations by the Biden administration in June. Reports confirm that last year's numbers were significantly lower than the all-time high of 250,000 arrests recorded in December 2023. Officials noted that this decline represents the ongoing impact of coordinated border policies, which include enhanced enforcement strategies and the establishment of legal pathways for immigration. The most active corridors for illegal crossings in December were the San Diego area, followed by Texas' Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona. While San Diego remained the busiest corridor, the Rio Grande Valley showed a rise in occurrences from the previous month, which may reflect changing tactics among smuggling organizations and adaptations from Mexican law enforcement. For the second consecutive month, legal entries through official border crossings were anticipated to surpass the number of arrests for illegal crossings. This aligns with the administration's goal of broadening lawful entry avenues while enforcing stringent limits on asylum claims for individuals crossing the border unlawfully. The CBP One online appointment system played a crucial role, facilitating an average of 1,450 legal entry slots daily. This approach stands in stark contrast to the past administration's emphasis on mass deportations and strict immigration enforcement strategies.