US, Mexico Agree on Measures to Reduce Illegal Border Crossings Ahead of US Election

President Joe Biden and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador have agreed to take concrete steps to reduce illegal border crossings while protecting human rights, as migration becomes a key issue in the upcoming US presidential election. In a joint statement following a phone call on Sunday, the two leaders said they have directed their national security teams to work together to immediately implement measures to significantly decrease irregular border crossings.

The fresh steps include tougher enforcement by both countries on railways, buses, and airports to prevent major modes of transportation from being used to facilitate illegal migration. The US and Mexico will also increase the number of repatriation flights to return migrants to their home countries. "The United States and Mexico will increase enforcement measures to prevent major modes of transportation from being used to facilitate illegal migration to the border," the joint statement said.

The call between Biden and López Obrador occurred at the US president's request as his administration continues to deliberate whether to take executive action to crack down on the number of migrants arriving at the southern US border. While no decision has been made yet, the White House has been considering various options, including potentially using Biden's authority under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Why this matters: The issue of illegal migration has become a top concern for American voters and a political liability for Biden as he seeks re-election in 2024. By working with Mexico to take stronger action, the president aims to show he is addressing the problem ahead of the election.

Arrests at the US-Mexico border have declined in recent months from a record high in December, partly due to increased enforcement efforts by Mexican officials at the behest of the US government. However, White House officials expect the numbers to rise again as warmer weather approaches. "We've made progress in controlling unauthorized migration by persuading many migrants not to use illegal methods to move between our countries," Biden and López Obrador said in the statement, while noting that "increasing shared prosperity and security will be of critical importance in effectively addressing the migration challenge over the longer term."

Key Takeaways

• Biden, López Obrador agree to reduce illegal border crossings.
• Measures include tougher enforcement on transportation, more deportation flights.
• Migration a key issue in 2024 US presidential election.
• Arrests at US-Mexico border declined, but expected to rise again.
• Addressing migration requires increasing shared prosperity and security.