U.S. border arrivals drop.
The number of migrants processed at the U.S.-Mexico border by U.S. immigration authorities has dropped for the second consecutive month in July. U.S.
Border Patrol agents recorded 181,552 arrests of asylum seeker who entered illegally into the country over the last month.
6% decrease compared to June and about a 19% drop since May.
For the month of July,
An additional 18,424 migrants processed at official U.S. ports of entry, including asylum-seekers that the Biden administration is let to enter the country on humanitarian grounds.
40% of Border Patrol arrests in July
develop in migrants expelled to Mexico or their home canton.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Chris Magnus called the drop in migrant arrests
A “positive trend,” but acknowledged that they “remain high.”
— Context, numbers, and what it means
Recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports show a decline in migrant encounters for the second month running, even as annual encounter totals remain historically high and reports indicated they were on pace to be near the 2-million level for the fiscal year.
Quick numbers
- CBP’s nationwide encounter dashboards publish the monthly and fiscal totals that analysts and reporters use to assess trends. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Independent reporting and policy analysis note a multi-month decline from recent peaks while flagging FY totals near 2 million in recent reporting cycles.
Why the change matters
- Operational effects: lower encounter volumes free up resources for targeted enforcement and processing.
- Policy drivers: declines likely reflect enforcement changes, diplomatic steps with transit countries, and seasonal patterns.
- Client impact: despite declines, many individuals retain pending claims or removal exposure; counsel must reassess strategies.
Who should pay attention
- Clients with pending asylum, parole, or humanitarian filings.
- Detained noncitizens and families with upcoming hearings.
- Employers with staff dependent on TPS/EADs — monitor I-9 guidance.
Immediate steps we recommend
- Preserve all case documents (receipts, A-file, CBP/ICE correspondence).
- Avoid international travel until counsel confirms reentry safety.
- Evaluate alternative filings (family petitions, U/T visas, humanitarian parole) now.
- Schedule an urgent case review if removal or detention is possible.
