, Columnist
Illegal US Border Crossings Aren’t Really Breaking Records
Federal agents used to catch only a third of those trying to enter the country unlawfully from Mexico. Now it’s close to 90% as most simply turn themselves in.
Most of the people crossing the border illegally intend to turn themselves in and apply for asylum.
Photographer: Justin Hamel/Bloomberg
The number of people who are apprehended by US Border Patrol agents or voluntarily surrender to them at or near the border with Mexico has skyrocketed recently, setting records in each of the past three fiscal years — and exceeding last year’s numbers in each of the first four months of the fiscal year that started in October.
This is usually interpreted to mean that illegal immigration is also setting records, but that’s probably not the case.