Border Arrests Drop 30% in July

U.S.-Mexico border arrests have dropped by approximately 30% in July, reaching a new low for the Biden administration, with expected arrests around 57,000, down from 83,536 in June. This decline raises the possibility of lifting a temporary ban on asylum, which was enacted on June 5 amid rising migrant numbers. The recent figures represent the lowest monthly total since September 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions impacted movement. Prior to the asylum ban, arrests had already decreased significantly from a peak of 250,000 in December due to increased enforcement in Mexico. Immigration advocacy groups continue to challenge the asylum measures in court, while the Biden administration faces scrutiny from Republicans over border security. The asylum halt could end if daily arrests fall below 1,500, which is currently anticipated, as arrests are now hovering around 1,600 to 1,700 per day.