CBP's August 2023 report shows a decline in repeat migrant encounters and an increase in anti-drug operations
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released its operational statistics for August 2023 on Friday, September 22, drawing attention to a significant decrease in repeat migrant encounters and an escalation in efforts against drug trafficking.
"Our operational tempo along the border has increased in response to increased encounters, and we remain squarely focused on our broader security mission and enforcing U.S. immigration laws," said Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner.
According to the August 2023 press release, CBP's drug interdiction operations have made substantial strides, seizing more than 25,500 pounds of fentanyl in the current fiscal year, outpacing last year's figures. New interagency operations Artemis and Rolling Wave have contributed to this effort, intercepting over 8,000 pounds of fentanyl precursor chemicals since their June launch.
Meanwhile, the agency reported a noticeable dip in encounters involving repeat migrants along the Southwest border. Of the 232,972 total encounters in August, only 11% involved individuals with at least one prior encounter in the past 12 months, a marked decline from earlier statistics.
Initiatives by the Biden administration to regularize immigration have also yielded results. The parole processes for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have allowed more than 211,000 individuals to lawfully enter the United States, thereby curbing irregular migration.
In economic terms, international trade and travel are showing recovery signs. The number of air travelers into the United States increased by 16% compared to last August. In the same period, pedestrian entries via land ports increased by 13%, and CBP processed entry summaries valued at over $281 billion.
Technological advances, such as the CBP One™ app, are making lawful entry more efficient. Launched in January, the app has facilitated nearly 263,000 individuals in scheduling entry appointments, with Haitians, Mexicans, and Venezuelans among the primary users.
As CBP endeavors to strike a balance between stringent security measures and humane treatment, its latest statistics offer a nuanced look at the multifaceted challenges and responsibilities facing the agency.
