How many migrant encounters are there along the US-Mexico border each month?
About 56K encounters in July 2024. The US Border Patrol reported that encounters were 57.5% lower in July 2024 compared to July 2023. These encounters, which include both the apprehension and expulsion of undocumented migrants at the US-Mexico border between official entry points, do not necessarily represent individual people. The same person can be counted multiple times if they are encountered on more than one occasion.
In July 2024
56K
border encounters occurred
In July 2024
57.5%
fewer encounters occurred than in July 2023
There was a decrease in migrant encounters at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Encounter levels during this time were similar to the low levels reported between 2010 and 2015.
Since mid-2020, encounters have risen and remained high along the southwest US border, peaking in December 2023 at 249,740 before decreasing in 2024.
Encounters increased to record heights during the COVID-19 pandemic
The US-Mexico border is nearly 2,000 miles long and spans five states. Encounters with migrants occur at different rates along the entire border. The US Border Patrol divides this area into 9 distinct regions, each managed as a single border patrol sector.
In July 2024, encounters were highest in the San Diego Border Patrol Sector
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Encounters in one of the nine border patrol sectors are on the rise, indicating a broader trend of decreased activity along the border. The increase is largest in the San Diego sector, where the number of encounters has increased by 3.5% between July 2023 and July 2024. This sector's rise in encounters may reflect changing migration routes or policy shifts.
Encounters increased the most in the San Diego Border Patrol Sector
