In December, the southern U.S. border experienced a record-breaking surge in illegal immigrant encounters, surpassing the previous high set in September, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) sources reported by Fox News. The month’s encounters totaled over 276,000, marking the highest on record.

Since the fiscal year began on October 1, there have been more than 760,000 illegal immigrant encounters, making it the highest quarter on record.

The ongoing surge has contributed to a challenging year at the southern border, where multiple records have been consistently broken. Republicans attribute the surge to policy changes by the current administration, including the reversal of Trump-era policies, while the administration contends it faces a hemisphere-wide challenge, seeking increased funding and immigration reform from Congress.

Joe Biden has shown that he does not care about securing the border. He created the worst border crisis in U.S. history. pic.twitter.com/rcyULom1cd

— GOP (@GOP) December 29, 2023

The administration’s approach involves expanding lawful pathways for migration, targeting smugglers, and increasing consequences for illegal entry. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported approximately 400,000 removals between May and November, nearly matching the total for the entire fiscal year 2019. However, officials disclosed to lawmakers that around 5,000 illegal immigrants are being released daily into the U.S., excluding those paroled at ports of entry.

Amidst this, the White House has requested $14 billion in border funding as part of an emergency supplemental funding request, facing resistance from Republicans demanding additional restrictions on asylum and parole practices.

U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, recently met with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. In a joint statement, both nations emphasized their commitment to orderly and humane migration while addressing root causes and disrupting human smuggling. Notably, the statement mentioned discussions about the benefits of granting legal status to undocumented Hispanic immigrants, including DACA beneficiaries, recognizing their contributions to the U.S. economy and society. The delegations plan to reconvene in January.