Between 2020 and 2023, the number of migrants seeking to cross the United States’ southwestern border with Mexico skyrocketed. Driven by a wide range of factors, individuals and families from across Central and South America—as well as China and other countries—have sought to enter the United States in pursuit of safety and economic opportunity. While some of these migrants have been able to enter the country legally, many more opt to take the risk of crossing the border illegally.

After several years of increases, the number of illegal migrants encountered by U.S. Border Patrol reached a peak of over 300,000 in December 2023. This marked the culmination of an unprecedented year for border crossings, during which officials encountered over 2.5 million migrants at the southwestern border.

By contrast, 2024 has seen considerably fewer encounters along the border. Since February, the number of encounters has decreased each month, reaching 104,116 in July, the lowest total since 2021. However, experts have noted that this decline is likely a temporary result of Mexican crackdowns on migrant transits rather than a long-term shift.

The question will resolve positively if the U.S. Border Patrol monthly report in November 2024 indicates the total illegal migrant encounters along the U.S. Southwestern land border exceeded 1.5 million from January 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024. According to the Border Patrol, encounters include both apprehensions and expulsions of migrants.