U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released its operational statistics for September 2023, highlighting its efforts to address increased migration flows and enhance border security. CBP surged resources and personnel in response to high rates of encounters along the southwest border, including large migrant groups traveling on freight trains. The agency is working with domestic and foreign partners to address historic hemispheric migration and enforce consequences. CBP is committed to enforcing immigration laws and strengthening consequences for those who cross the border unlawfully. In October, direct removals of Venezuelan nationals resumed, and CBP has recorded a decrease in southwest border encounters in the first two weeks of the month.
CBP is focused on ensuring border security and managing migration through various measures. The agency is actively combating disinformation spread by smugglers and working to decrease the flow of fentanyl and intercept the trafficking of chemical precursors used to produce the drug. CBP has added personnel to enhance border security and is engaging in a regional approach with foreign governments to reduce irregular migration. Noncitizens who cross the border unlawfully are subject to removal proceedings and may face a minimum five-year ban on reapplying for admission. Since May 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has removed or returned over 300,000 individuals, including more than 45,000 individual family members.
CBP’s message to anyone considering illegal entry along the southwest border is clear: it is dangerous and discouraged. The agency has undertaken significant efforts to expand capacity to aid and rescue individuals in distress, with a significant increase in rescues recorded in September. CBP’s commitment to border security is evident despite the lies of smugglers. The CBP One™ mobile application is also being used to incentivize noncitizens to use lawful pathways, and appointments have been successfully scheduled by thousands of individuals.
CBP is actively interdicting the flow of illicit narcotics and dangerous drugs, leading efforts to stop drugs like fentanyl from entering the country. In FY 2023, CBP seized over 27,000 pounds of fentanyl, an increase of more than 800% since fiscal year 2019. The agency continues to leverage technology to facilitate lawful trade and travel, increasing efficiency and security at ports of entry. CBP is working closely with the trade community to ensure smooth clearance of merchandise and improve border security. The parole processes for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have also had a significant impact in reducing irregular migration and providing safe pathways for individuals. CBP remains committed to protecting consumers and eradicating forced labor from supply chains.
