Fact Check: Border Patrol caught 93% fewer migrants compared to last year.

Fact Check: "Border Patrol caught 93% fewer migrants compared to last year."

What We Know

The claim that "Border Patrol caught 93% fewer migrants compared to last year" is misleading. According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in Fiscal Year 2023, there were over 2.4 million encounters at the Southwest border, which represents an increase from the previous year. Specifically, encounters increased by 4% compared to FY2022, and over 40% compared to FY2021 (House Committee on Homeland Security). This data indicates that the number of apprehensions and encounters has not decreased but rather increased significantly.

In September 2023 alone, CBP recorded 269,735 encounters, marking an 86% increase from June 2023 (House Committee on Homeland Security). The assertion of a 93% decrease appears to be a misinterpretation or misrepresentation of the actual data.

Analysis

The claim of a 93% reduction in migrant apprehensions is not supported by the official statistics provided by CBP. In fact, the data shows a clear upward trend in encounters at the border. The assertion may stem from a misunderstanding of the context or specific metrics being referenced.

For instance, the CBP's statistics indicate that since President Biden took office, there have been approximately 7.5 million encounters nationwide, with 6.2 million occurring at the Southwest border (CBP Enforcement Statistics). This data contradicts the claim, as it demonstrates not a decrease but a significant increase in migrant encounters.

Moreover, the source of the claim lacks credibility as it does not provide a verifiable basis for the 93% figure. Reliable sources, such as the New York Times, report that illegal border crossings have reached record levels, further undermining the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that Border Patrol caught 93% fewer migrants compared to last year is inaccurate. The actual data from CBP indicates a substantial increase in encounters, not a decrease. The misrepresentation of the statistics may lead to confusion regarding the current state of border security and immigration enforcement.

Sources

1. CBP Enforcement Statistics - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
2. On a Typical Day in Fiscal Year 2023, CBP... - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
3. FACTSHEET: Final FY23 Numbers Show Worst Year at America's Borders—Ever - House
4. Southwest Land Border Encounters - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
5. PDF Border Security Status Report - Homeland Security
6. CBP Encounters | OHSS - Office of Homeland Security Statistics
7. Why Illegal Border Crossings Are So High - The New York Times
8. U.S. border patrol apprehensions and expulsions FY 1990-2023 - Statista