Mexico and US Agree on Plan to Combat Surge in Border Crossings
Mexico has reached an agreement with the United States to deport migrants from its border cities and take measures to deter migrants as part of a joint effort to address the recent increase in border crossings. Mexican officials met with US Customs and Border Protection officials in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to discuss the spike in illegal crossings into the US.
As part of the agreement, Mexico has agreed to “depressurize” its northern cities along the border with Texas, where a state of emergency has been declared. Mexico’s National Migration Institute has outlined over a dozen actions to prevent migrants from risking their lives by using the railway system to reach the US-Mexico border.
To support these efforts, the US Department of Defense is sending at least 800 new active-duty personnel to the border, in addition to the 2,500 National Guard members already stationed there.
The city of El Paso, Texas, is facing an unprecedented surge in migrants, with more than 2,000 additional migrants arriving daily. To accommodate the influx, an overflow shelter at the Nations Tobin Recreation Center has been opened, with a capacity for about 400 people.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, migrant crossings along the border have been rising, surpassing 8,600 over a 24-hour period. This is a significant increase from the daily border arrests of around 3,500 after the expiration of Title 42 in May. The busiest sectors for border crossings are Del Rio, El Paso, Lower Rio Grande Valley, and Tucson.
The agreement between Mexico and the US includes measures such as deporting migrants to their home countries, negotiating with several governments to confirm the receipt of their citizens deported from the US-Mexico border, and allowing US border patrol agents to expel migrants through the Ciudad Juárez international bridge.
Mexican officials have committed to carrying out a series of 15 actions, some in coordination with US agencies and a Mexican railroad operator. This has raised questions about Mexico taking on responsibilities typically designated for the US in managing the influx of migrants.
The surge in migrants is attributed to various factors, including violence, economic opportunities, and family reunification. Deteriorating conditions in Latin America worsened by the pandemic have also contributed to the increase.
Experts predict that the number of border crossings will continue to rise as more Mexican nationals plan to come to the US. In recent years, the number of Mexican families seeking asylum at the border has significantly increased.
While the joint efforts between Mexico and the US aim to address the current situation, experts stress the need for broader regional solutions to effectively manage migration in the long term.