The once-bustling border crossing at Lukeville, Arizona, has transformed into a near ghost town.
According to Breitbart News, a December 2023 agreement between the United States and Mexico has led to a significant decline in migrant crossings at the southwest border.
Lukeville, once the busiest crossing point on the southwest border, has seen a dramatic decrease in migrant traffic. Before the agreement, nearly 14,000 migrants crossed daily. However, the region now sees only around 300 crossings per day as of May 2024.
This reduction in crossings comes amidst an atmosphere of heightened border security. Analysts attribute the successful curbing of illegal migration to concerted efforts by the U.S. government and Mexico. The agreement underscores the nations' bid to manage migration effectively, especially with major elections looming.
Before the deal in December 2023, the Lukeville crossing experienced consistent traffic of 1,600 to 2,000 migrants daily. The agreement notably reduced these numbers, part of a broader strategy to address border security and immigration reform.
Even traditionally busy rally points like the Organ Pipe National Monument have turned nearly empty. According to an anonymous Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official, this lull has allowed the resumption of border operations that were previously halted due to high traffic.
With fewer migrants to process, border patrol activities have seen a marked change. Shuttered highway checkpoints have been reopened, while field patrols between entry points have resumed. This change signifies a positive shift in resource allocation and overall border management.
The effects of the agreement extend beyond Arizona, impacting crossings in Texas and California as well. Areas like Eagle Pass, Texas saw similar decreases before the trend reached Arizona and California.
Border Patrol data from the Tucson Sector reveals a substantial 61 percent drop in crossings since December 2023. While 80,184 migrants crossed this part of the border in December, only 31,219 were recorded in April 2024.
This sharp decline also reflects a significant reduction in apprehensions of specific migrant groups. Venezuelan crossings have dropped by 80 percent, while those from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador have decreased by 81 percent.
On April 28, President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) discussed further measures to handle migration. The conversation highlighted their commitment to bilateral and regional cooperation. They emphasized strengthening border operational efficiency and improving security for citizens of both countries.
The recent election-year agreement demonstrates that executive action can indeed impact migration levels along the southwest border, challenging previous claims made over the past three years.
The border security agreement reached in December 2023 between the United States and Mexico has led to a significant reduction in migrant crossings at major points along the southwest border, particularly in Lukeville, Arizona. This decline, achieved through joint efforts by both countries, marks important progress in enhancing border security and management. The recent accord, coming during an election year, shows that executive action is capable of influencing migration patterns at the southwest border, contrary to assertions made over the preceding three years.
