In the weeks since President Biden’s executive order on asylum seekers, the U.S.-Mexico border has seen a significant decrease in migrant crossings. Volunteers and officials report quieter conditions at key crossing points and processing centers, suggesting the new policy may be having its intended effect.
The area known as Whiskey 8, a popular gathering spot for migrants between San Diego and Tijuana, has been notably less active recently. This location, situated between two border barriers, typically sees large groups waiting to be picked up by Border Patrol agents. However, volunteers have observed a significant reduction in activity there over the past few weeks.
Further north, the Iris Avenue Transit Center in San Diego, previously a hub for dropping off processed migrants, has also become much quieter. A local vendor commented that he couldn’t recall the last time he saw migrants being dropped off at the trolley station, highlighting the stark change in recent weeks.
This shift comes in the wake of President Biden’s executive order, signed just over a month ago, which has made seeking asylum in the United States more challenging. The order stipulates that when unlawful crossings exceed an average of 2,500 per day over seven consecutive days, most individuals apprehended by Border Patrol agents after that point will not be allowed to seek asylum and may face immediate deportation.
The impact of this policy appears to be significant. Enrique Lucero, director of the Migrant Affairs Office in Tijuana, reported a drastic reduction in the number of people arriving in the city with the intention of crossing the border. According to Lucero, weekly unlawful crossings have dropped from 8,303 to 3,696 – a decrease of more than 55%. These figures have been confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Border Patrol agents working in the San Diego Sector have also noticed the decrease in crossings. Many agents who were previously assigned to a large tent-processing center for migrants in Otay Mesa are now returning to their regular border patrol duties. Similarly, agents who were tasked with transporting migrants are resuming their normal responsibilities.
While it’s still early to determine the long-term effects of President Biden’s executive order, the initial data and observations suggest it may be achieving its goal of reducing unlawful border crossings. However, the situation remains fluid, and officials will continue to monitor the border closely in the coming weeks and months.