The collapse of authoritarian regimes in countries such as Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela spurred an increase of migrants trying to enter the United States at the southern border last month, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) announced recently.

The CPB reported Oct. 21 that its agents had 227,547 migrant encounters along the southwest border in September, up 12% from August. However, the number of people from Venezuela to arrive at the border "decreased sharply" compared to the previous week, according to CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus. He attributed the decrease to joint U.S.-Mexico efforts to "create a more fair, orderly and safe process for people fleeing the humanitarian and economic crisis in their country,” the announcement reports.

“Over the past week, the number of Venezuelans attempting to enter the country fell more than 80 percent compared to the week prior to the launch of the joint enforcement actions," Magnus said in the report. "While this early data is not reflected in the latest report, it confirms what we’ve said all along: when there is a lawful and orderly way to enter the country, individuals will be less likely to put their lives in the hands of smugglers and try to cross the border unlawfully."

Nationwide in September, CPB agents encountered 182,704 individuals, a 15% bump over the prior month, the statement reports. Of those encounters, 77,302 were from Cuba, Nicaragua or Venezuela, 42% of encounters and a 245% increase over the previous September, according to the CBP.

The agency is focused on identify the prime causes for migration and working with other counties to curb the flow, the report states.

“CBP and DHS will continue to work with our partners in the region to address the root causes of migration, expand legal pathways, facilitate removals, and take thousands of smugglers off the streets,” Magnus said. “No matter what smugglers say, those who do not have a legal basis to remain in the country will be removed and people should not make the dangerous journey.”