CBP encountered 178,622 migrants trying to enter the U.S. in April, a three percent rise over the roughly 172,000 encountered in March, which was the highest number in 20 years.
"CBP continues to see a large influx of illegal migration along the Southwest Border," acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said in a statement.
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The agency said that the number of solo children from Northern Triangle countries decreased by 12 percent, with 13,962 in April compared with 15,918 in March. While single adults and some family members can be instantly expelled via Title 42 health protections, the Biden administration is not dismissing unaccompanied children -- which has led to a dramatic surge in the number of children in custody and one that has overwhelmed border authorities.
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While the Biden administration has praised its progress in relieving the pressure by clearing packed border facilities like the key site in Donna, Texas, many of those children have been moved to Health and Human Services (HHS) custody -- with numbers nearly doubling in a just a few months from just under 12,000 in March to more than 22,000 at the beginning of this month.
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The number of migrant encounters showing signs of leveling off is likely to be seen as good news by the administration, but the numbers are still extremely high and may still surge as the spring and summer months arrive -- times that have typically seen increases in migrant numbers in past years. The administration has noted that the majority of those encountered are single adults, who can be removed via Title 42. In April, 111,714 migrants were expelled via Title 42.
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On Tuesday, Miller noted efforts by the Department of Homeland Security like Operation Sentinel -- a new project to crack down on transnational criminal organizations involved in smuggling migrants across the border.
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"In order to disrupt criminal organizations that have little regard for human life, CBP is leading the way alongside external law enforcement partners through Operational Sentinel. Day after day, CBP rescues migrants abandoned in harsh terrain, left for dead with no food or water. CBP is committed to enhancing the security of the U.S. border and helping save the lives of vulnerable migrants."
The increase in migrant encounters, however small, means the pressure from Republicans on the Biden administration is likely only to increase.
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