Tucson Sector Border Patrol apprehended 22,400 migrants in June — two-thirds the number of people they apprehended in May.
But there have been stark changes in the kinds of migrants crossing the border into Arizona since then. Back then families and unaccompanied minors crossing the border made up less than a quarter of apprehensions, and in June they accounted for more than half.
As well, the number of migrants from Mexico crossing the border into Arizona has doubled. Many Mexican migrants hoping to seek asylum at the southern border say they are fleeing cartel violence, extortion, and threats on their lives.
Border officials credit the decline to recent measures enhancing consequences and restricting asylum for migrants who cross between ports of entry.
Officials say since June 5 the Department of Homeland Security has removed more than 70,000 migrants to more than 170 countries, including operating more than 150 repatriation flights.
