Surge in Illegal Crossings: Migrant Families Overwhelming U.S. Border Officials

The number of migrant families apprehended at the U.S. southern border nearly doubled from June to July, reaching the highest monthly tally since the end of last year. In July, 60,161 parents and children were taken into custody after crossing the border illegally, compared to 31,266 in June. Families accounted for almost half of the total 132,652 migrants apprehended in July. Officials attribute the increase to smugglers misleading migrants into believing that adults traveling with children will be released into the United States if they cross the border illegally. The Biden administration has implemented policies to reduce illegal crossings and is urging migrants to apply for legal entry through designated checkpoints or airports.