Though U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will officially release January’s border statistics this week, according to preliminary data obtained by the Associated Press, approximately 36,000 apprehensions were made in the first month of the New Year, representing a decline of 10 percent when compared to December 2019.
Additionally, the statistics reveal a decline from more than 58,000 total apprehensions in January of last year and a decline of nearly 75 percent when compared to the peak of apprehensions in May 2019.
In Texas, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Border Patrol Sector saw the highest number of apprehensions in January with nearly 6,500.
Previously, CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan has attributed the consecutive decline in apprehensions to the Trump administration’s hardline immigration and border security initiatives.
The Trump administration has also praised the government of Mexico for its enhanced security measures at the southern border.
Just last month, Mexican security forces stopped a caravan composed of thousands of migrants from Central America from reaching the U.S. border.
Morgan praised the Mexican government for their efforts, describing them as “true partners” to the United States.
Just last week, Commissioner Morgan also met with officials in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador to discuss regional cooperation between the various governments and the United States in working to enhance border security initiatives.
Along with enhanced policy measures, such as the Migration Protection Protocols (MPPS) and asylum cooperation agreements with various foreign countries, President Trump continues to make progress on his promise to build a border wall as well.
After a ruling from the Fifth Circuit reversed a border wall injunction imposed by an El Paso judge, $3.6 billion in blocked funds became available for border wall construction.
As of January, 101 miles of border wall had been completed, 133 miles were listed as under construction, and 342 miles were in pre-construction.
In Texas news, CBP recently announced their selection of Raul Ortiz, formerly the deputy chief patrol agent of the Rio Grande Valley Sector and chief patrol agent of the Del Rio Sector to be deputy chief of U.S. Border Patrol.
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Sarah McConnell
Sarah McConnell is a reporter for The Texan. Previously, she worked as a Cyber Security Consultant after serving as a Pathways Intern at the Department of Homeland Security – Citizenship and Immigration Services. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas A&M as well as her Master of Public Service and Administration degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. In her free time, Sarah is an avid runner, jazz enthusiast, and lover of all things culinary.
