The Biden administration is preparing for a possible surge of migrants at the southern border before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.
Officials are concerned that migrants may try to enter the U.S. before Trump enacts tougher immigration policies, leading the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to warn against illegal entry.
In a virtual meeting just before the election, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and other top officials discussed the possibility of an immigration spike as Trump’s victory raised expectations of increased border security and a strict approach to immigration.
Migrant numbers at the southern border had dropped significantly since June, following a record surge that strained communities and overwhelmed border resources.
However, with Trump’s victory, many migrants are expected to act quickly to avoid future restrictions.
Trump’s campaign promises include shutting down avenues like the CBP One app, which allows humanitarian entry through certain ports, and implementing what he describes as the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history.”
Additionally, he has pledged to continue building the border wall and to revive policies like the Remain in Mexico initiative, which requires asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases are reviewed.
Amidst growing concerns, DHS officials have warned migrants to avoid being misled by smugglers looking to profit from the situation. “Migrants should not believe the lies of smugglers,” a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson stated.
“The United States continues to enforce immigration law, and migrants should use safe, lawful, and orderly pathways to come to the United States.”
Despite these assurances, conservative groups, including the Heritage Foundation, voiced concerns about a potential surge.
Lora Ries, director of the foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, warned of the dangers posed by human smugglers, who are spreading rumors that now is the last chance to enter the U.S. before Trump takes office. “They will use any marketing that they can at any time to make more money,” Ries explained.
Republican lawmakers have also pushed for stronger control over policies like Temporary Protected Status, which allows certain foreign nationals to work and remain in the U.S. if returning to their countries is deemed unsafe.
With Trump’s administration set to reevaluate these protections, migrants may be anxious to enter before any such restrictions come into effect.
Online messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, have seen heightened chatter among migrants discussing Trump’s incoming policies.
In one chat, a user incorrectly claimed Trump would assume power on January 10, while another urged that “time is running out” to enter the U.S. lawfully.
As the DHS readies itself for any last-minute influx, Trump has indicated that he may impose tariffs on Mexican imports if Mexico does not tighten border controls.
He recently warned that he would consider a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico if the country fails to curtail migration flows.
Trump has also indicated he is prepared to introduce travel restrictions from countries identified as national security threats, suggesting a comprehensive approach to immigration reform.
For now, DHS officials maintain that no significant surge in migrant numbers has been observed, though officials are remaining vigilant in the weeks leading up to the inauguration.
Biden administration leaders continue to stress that migrants should pursue legal, orderly entry into the United States and avoid the misinformation being promoted by smugglers along the border.