Migrant crossings at the US’ southern border drop for the third straight month amid campaign year scrutiny

Migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border remain at their lowest levels since 2020, according to new federal data obtained by CNN, as Republicans and Democrats spar over border security.

Migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border remain at their lowest levels since 2020, according to new federal data obtained by CNN, as Republicans and Democrats spar over border security. Immigration remains among the top issues for voters and former President Donald Trump has made it a cornerstone of his campaign, pinning blame on Vice President Kamala Harris over the handling of the US-Mexico border and frequently turning to the issue on the campaign trail. Harris’ visit to the US-Mexico border Friday was the clearest example yet of the campaign doubling down on border security by embracing strict rules that have been condemned by some corners of the Democratic party. The Democratic nominee tried to cast herself as the solutions-oriented candidate when addressing the US southern border, taking on a tougher stance while also pursuing broader immigration reform, in remarks Friday – an attempt at trying to close the gap with Trump on the issue. But numbers have fallen drastically following executive action taken by the Biden administration over the summer. In September, US Border Patrol recorded around 54,000 encounters along the US southern border, according to federal data – marking the third month of decline since the executive action went into effect. It’s a notable shift from only months ago when Homeland Security officials wrestled with record numbers of border crossers and comes at a heated moment in the election cycle where border security has featured prominently.