WASHINGTON – U.S. border officials apprehended some 54,000 migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally in October, according to preliminary figures obtained by Reuters, showing a slight increase from September but continuing the broader downward trend since June, when new restrictions were imposed under President Joe Biden. .

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris has called for even tougher border restrictions in the face of criticism from Republican candidate Donald Trump over illegal immigration, as the two face off in a tight race. Immigration is a top issue for voters heading into Tuesday’s election, particularly among Republicans, and Trump has stepped up his language.

The approximately 54,000 migrant apprehensions between Oct. 1 and Oct. 30 were far lower than the U.S. Border Patrol’s monthly average of apprehensions of 160,000 in the first eight months of fiscal 2024, before the restrictions were imposed. of Biden. Preliminary data reviewed by Reuters did not include the last day of October.

In fiscal year 2023, border agents apprehended an average of 170,000 migrants per month.

In fiscal year 2019, before the pandemic and during Trump’s presidency, the monthly average was about 71,000.

“We’re very confident in the strategy we’re employing to handle this,” said a senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection official, requesting anonymity to discuss unpublished statistics. The official said the reduction in crossings has allowed more officers to get out into the field and target people and drug trafficking.

Biden’s restrictions have prevented most people crossing the country illegally from seeking asylum. At the same time, Mexico has stepped up its immigration enforcement measures under pressure from the United States.

Trump cracked down on legal and illegal immigration during his 2017-2021 presidency and promised historic levels of deportations if re-elected. Harris blames Trump for helping kill bipartisan legislation earlier this year aimed at increasing border security.

The Biden administration also launched programs that allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to enter the country legally through emergency “parole,” which Biden officials say has reduced crossings illegal. Republicans say the Biden programs exceed the limits of the law and serve as a workaround to allow migrants to enter the United States. REUTERS