Border Agents Encountered Increased Number Of Migrants In November

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported Friday that 173,620 migrants were encountered at the southern border by agents in November.

The number represents a 5% increase over October’s encounters. CBP stated that more than 50% of the people encountered were subject to a Trump-era order in public health for expulsion.

CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus stated that “CBP’s November Monthly Operational Update reflects an incredible amount of work on behalf of the American people to keep dangerous drugs and products out of our communities, to facilitate travel and billions of dollars in trade, and to maintain security along our borders.”

“It’s an honor to lead a workforce whose mission is so vital to our economic health and national security. CBP’s vigilance is key to disrupting smugglers and transnational criminal organizations as they exploit vulnerable populations and attempt to traffic illegal and dangerous products,” Magnus said.

CBP reports that 25% of those caught in November were previously trying to enter the U.S. within the past 12 months. In the meantime, the number of people previously caught has increased by 10% in the past month.

CBP reports that two-thirds of the people encountered were single adults. This is a 5% increase over October. The number of families encountered also rose by 5%.

From October, the number of unaccompanied kids grew by 9%. According to CBP, the average number of unaccompanied child in custody by CBP per day rose from 595 in October and 962 in November.

Mid-November saw officials from CBP meet with Panama authorities to encourage cooperation in the management of migration and fighting transnational crime.