The US-Mexico border situation is escalating. Over 5,000 migrants were apprehended by Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents in just four days. This surge in migrant apprehensions comes even as Texas, under Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star, has seen a drop in illegal crossings. Despite this, states like Arizona continue to grapple with the problem. Disturbingly, many of the migrants are choosing to cross the border illegally between ports of entry rather than seeking asylum. Comparing year-to-date figures, 2023 sees a significant rise in migrant apprehensions, indicative of a major increase under Biden’s administration. Governor Abbott’s operation has been instrumental in curtailing the inflow in Texas, with over 393,000 illegal immigrants stopped so far. The escalating crisis at the border amidst existing economic, political, and public health crises raises serious national security concerns.
