As we approach the inauguration, it’s evident that migrant shelters positioned to the south of the Rio Grande are noticeably under capacity. This is a clear signal of stricter immigration tactics applied on both ends of the border. In the past, hundreds of migrants used to assemble in makeshift settlements in Ciudad Juárez, located on the Mexican edge of the Rio Grande, waiting for an opportunity to step foot into U.S. grounds. However, in light of the forthcoming eclipse of power to President-elect Donald J. Trump on Monday, the banks that once bustled with life were scarcely populated over the past week.
Skeletal remnants of what used to be vibrant encampments can still be seen: doused fire pits, abandoned footwear, discarded shirts, and neglected toothbrushes. A parallel scenario has echoed in Mexican cities right along the United States border. Over the past few months, the migrant population has seen a consistent decline. This dip in migrant numbers is primarily linked to the reinforced immigration laws introduced by the Biden administration, along with the new prohibitions from Mexican and Panamanian officials designed to discourage migration.
Ciudad Juárez, in particular, tells a vivid story of the current scenario. Here, shelters managed by government agencies and civic groups are operating at markedly depleted capacity, with occupancy levels hovering around 40 percent. As the pressure on President Biden to control migration surged during his re-election campaign, a new directive was issued in June, effectively denying asylum to those entering the U.S. without proper documentation.
This specific juncture saw border officials report a significant decrease in illegal crossings. In that month alone, 83,532 unlawful border crossings had been registered – a striking contrast to the preceding month’s figures of 117,905. Despite the observable decrease, the prevalence of illegal crossings remains at higher levels compared to much of Trump’s initial term. This data continues to be fuel for the demands from the Trump administration as well as by certain Congressional Democrats for additional, more stringent restrictions on U.S. immigration.