“Border Arrests Remain Stable in December, Marking End of Biden’s Term with Lowest Levels”

SAN DIEGO – A U.S. official stated on Monday that December saw a similar number of arrests for illegally crossing the Mexican border compared to the previous month. The figures remained close to the lowest levels recorded since July 2020, indicating that the anticipated influx before Donald Trump’s inauguration did not materialize.

As of Monday morning, approximately 44,000 arrests had been made in December, suggesting that the month would conclude with a total close to the 46,612 arrests made in November. These details were shared by a senior official from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the condition of anonymity due to the preliminary nature of the data being unreleased.

It was highlighted by the official that December would mark the sixth consecutive month where arrests for illegal border crossings remained below the monthly average for 2019. Additionally, it indicates that the final full month of President Joe Biden’s term will see arrest numbers at or near their lowest throughout his four years in office.

Asked to comment on the latest numbers, the Homeland Security Department released a statement by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, that said “swift and effective implementation” of asylum restrictions in June resulted in another month below the 2019 average.

“This sustained success is the result of strong border enforcement, extensive engagement with our foreign partners, and the delivery of safe and lawful pathways that continue to provide humanitarian relief under our laws,” Mayorkas said.

Arrests fell by about half from all-time high of 250,000 in December 2023 after Mexican officials increased enforcement within their own borders and by about half again after Biden introduced severe asylum limits.

Texas’ Rio Grande Valley was the second-busiest corridor for illegal crossings in December, up from fifth in November, likely a reflection of tactical decisions by smuggling organizations and Mexican law enforcement, the official said. San Diego remained the busiest corridor for illegal crossings. El Paso, Texas, was third and Tucson, Arizona was fourth.

For the second straight month, those allowed to enter the country through official border crossings are expected to exceed arrests for illegal crossings, reflecting the Biden administration’s approach to create and expand legal pathways while severely restricting asylum for those who cross the border illegally. The vast majority of legal entries are done through an online appointment system called CBP One, which grants 1,450 slots a day.

Trump has focused on launching mass deportations after taking office Jan. 20 but he and his aides have also emphasized border measures, touting a possible return of a policy to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for court hearings in U.S. immigration courts. Trump said in September that he planned to end CBP One appointments.