Mayorkas defends U.S. border strategy as migrant apprehensions reach 21-year high

Brownsville, Texas — Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday strongly defended the Biden administration's strategy for dealing with migration to the U.S.-Mexico border, where inderdictions of migrants and asylum-seekers have reached levels not seen in over two decades.

Standing in front of Border Patrol vehicles in south Texas, Mayorkas said the administration is expanding enforcement efforts to deter economic migrants from attempting to enter the U.S. without permission, while gradually expanding access to the U.S. asylum system for those fleeing violence. "It is critical that intending migrants understand clearly that they will be turned back if they enter the United States illegally and do not have a basis for relief under our laws," Mayorkas told reporters, acknowledging that the "unprecedented number" of border crossings poses a "serious challenge."