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  4. United States Border Patrol Southwest Family Unit Subject and Unaccompanied Alien Children Apprehensions Fiscal Year 2016

United States Border Patrol Southwest Family Unit Subject and Unaccompanied Alien Children Apprehensions Fiscal Year 2016

Statement by Secretary Johnson on Southwest Border Security

In Fiscal Year 2016, total apprehensions by the Border Patrol on our southwest border, between ports of entry, numbered 408,870.  This represents an increase over FY15, but was lower than FY14 and FY13, and a fraction of the number of apprehensions routinely observed from the 1980s through 2008.  Apprehensions are an indicator of total attempts to cross the border illegally.  Meanwhile, the demographics of illegal migration on our southern border has changed significantly over the last 15 years – far fewer Mexicans and single adults are attempting to cross the border without authorization, but more families and unaccompanied children are fleeing poverty and violence in Central America.  In 2014, Central Americans apprehended on the southern border outnumbered Mexicans for the first time.  In 2016, it happened again.

Apprehensions FY 13 FY14 FY15 FY16
Unaccompanied children 38,759 68,541 39,970 59,692
Family units 14,855 68,445 39,838 77,674
Individuals 360,783 342,385 251,525 271,504
Totals 414,397 479,371 331,333 408,870

Unaccompanied children and families have presented new challenges in our immigration system.  I have traveled to the southwest border 17 times over the last 34 months as Secretary and have seen this personally.  We are determined to treat migrants in a humane manner.  At the same time, we must enforce our immigration laws consistent with our enforcement priorities.  This has included, and will continue to include, providing individuals with an opportunity to assert claims for asylum and other forms of humanitarian relief. 

At the same time, we are providing safe, alternative paths to our country for individuals in need of humanitarian protection.  Earlier this year, the Government of Costa Rica announced its agreement to enter into a protection transfer arrangement with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration to help address the Central American migration challenge. We’re also establishing an in-country referral program in countries of origin including Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.  This program enables vulnerable residents in the region to be considered for refugee protection in the United States after being screened and interviewed by DHS officers. We have also announced an expansion of the categories of individuals eligible for participation in our Central American Minors program when accompanied by a qualified child.  We promote and encourage use of these programs.

Border security alone cannot overcome the powerful push factors of poverty and violence that exist in Central America. Walls alone cannot prevent illegal migration.  Ultimately, the solution is long-term investment in Central America to address the underlying push factors in the region. We continue to work closely with our federal partners and the governments in the region, and are pleased with the $750 million Congress approved in FY 2016 for support and aid to Central America. We urge Congress to provide additional resources in FY 2017.

But, there is more to do for border security.  I urge the next administration and the next Congress to continue to make smart investments in border security technology, equipment and other resources.  This is what our experts on the border – those on the front lines every day, charged with the responsibility of protecting our borders – tell me each time I ask them. 

At all times throughout President Obama’s administration, we have endeavored to enforce the immigration laws in a fair and humane way, consistent with the immigration system we have.   But, the reality is the system is broken, and badly in need of comprehensive immigration reform that only Congress can provide.  For one thing, we must reckon with the millions of undocumented immigrants who live in the shadows in this country, who’ve been here for years, and who should be given the opportunity to come forward and get right with the law.  It is my profound hope that the next Congress will finally address this and other issues, and enact comprehensive immigration reform. 

Other points:

  • The new immigration enforcement priorities President Obama and I announced in November 2014, which focus on serious convicted criminals and those apprehended at the border, are being implemented effectively by our immigration enforcement personnel.  Our priorities are reflected in actual results.  Today, over 99% of those in immigration detention fit within one of our enforcement priorities, and around 85% are within the top priority for removal.  In 2009, just 35% of those deported by ICE were convicted criminals; today that percentage is about 60%.  Enforcement actions that began early this year, focused on families and unaccompanied children now over 18 that were apprehended at the border, have continued.
  • Last week, I paid my sixth visit to Mexico as Secretary of Homeland Security.  On this visit I met with President Peña Nieto, my counterpart the Secretary of Government Miguel Osorio Chong, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Claudia Ruiz Massieu, Secretary of Finance Jose Antonio Meade, and Attorney General Arely Gomez Gonzalez.  Our working relationship is strong, and we’ve committed to do even more for our mutual border security interests.  Additionally, we’ve resolved to create a standing U.S.-Mexican working group, staffed largely with career officials, to ensure a permanent dialogue on security issues that will sustain itself past the Obama and Peña Nieto Administrations. 
  • In recent months we’ve seen an influx of Haitian nationals on our southern border, principally at certain land ports of entry.  On September 22, I announced we would resume removals of Haitian nationals in accordance with our existing enforcement priorities.  In light of Hurricane Matthew, which struck Haiti on October 4, removal flights to Haiti have been suspended temporarily.  Working with the Government of Haiti, DHS intends to resume removal flights as soon as possible.  DHS and the Department of State are working with the Government of Haiti and other key partners to ensure that removals occur in as humane and minimally disruptive a manner as possible.  The policy change I announced on September 22 remains in effect. Haitians attempting to enter the United States without authorization will continue to be placed into immigration detention.  
  • With our interagency partners, DHS continues to aggressively target and dismantle the transnational criminal organizations that smuggle and exploit migrants. One recent example is “Operation ALL IN.”  This operation resulted in the apprehension of 100 individuals now facing federal prosecution at either the federal, state, or local level. Those arrested as part of Operation ALL IN include smugglers, as well as gang members and sex offenders.

Southwest Border Total Apprehensions (FY12-16)

Graph that displays total apprehensions for current and previous fiscal years

Southwest Border Unaccompanied Alien Children (0-17 yr old) Apprehensions

Graph that displays current and previous fiscal year UAC numbers

Comparisons below reflect Fiscal Year 2016 (October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016) compared to the same time period for Fiscal Year 2015 and Fiscal Year 2014.

Sector

FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 % Change
FY 14 to FY 15

% Change
FY 15 to FY 16

Big Bend Sector

256 839 951 228% 13%

Del Rio Sector

3,268 2,285 2,689 -30% 18%

El Centro Sector

662 668 1,379 1% 106%

El Paso Sector

1,029 1,662 3,885 62% 134%

Laredo Sector

3,800 2,459 2,953 -35% 20%

Rio Grande Sector

49,959 23,864 36,714 -52% 54%

San Diego Sector

954 1,084 1,553 14% 43%

Tucson Sector

8,262 6,019 6,302 -27% 5%

Yuma Sector

351 1,090 3,266 211% 200%

Southwest Border Total

68,541 39,970 59,692 -42% 49%

Southwest Border Family Unit Apprehensions*

Graph that displays currrent and previous fiscal year Family Unit Apprehensions

Comparisons below reflect Fiscal Year 2016 (October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016) compared to the same time period for Fiscal Year 2015 and Fiscal Year 2014.

Sector

FY 2014

FY 2015

FY 2016

% Change
FY 14 to FY 15

% Change
FY 15 to FY 16

Big Bend Sector

176 807 1,051 359% 30%

Del Rio Sector

4,950 2,141 3,549 -57% 66%

El Centro Sector

630 675 1,593 -7% 136%

El Paso Sector

562 1,220 5,664 117% 364%

Laredo Sector

3,591 1,372 1,640 -62% 20%

Rio Grande Sector

52,326 27,409 52,006 -48% 90%

San Diego Sector

1,723 1,550 2,863 -10% 85%

Tucson Sector

3,812 2,903 3,139 -23% 7%

Yuma Sector

675 1,734 6,169 157% 256%
Southwest Border Total 68,445 39,838 77,674 -42% 95%

U.S. Border Patrol Southwest Border and Rio Grande Valley Sector Other Than Mexicans

Numbers below reflect Fiscal Year 2016 (October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016)

Sector

FY2016

Rio Grande Valley

140,496

Southwest Border

218,110

Unaccompanied Alien Children Encountered by Fiscal Year

Numbers below reflect Fiscal Years 2009-2015, FY 2016 (October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016)

Country FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016
El Salvador 1,221 1,910 1,394 3,314 5,990 16,404 9,389 17,512
Guatemala 1,115 1,517 1,565 3,835 8,068 17,057 13,589 18,913
Honduras 968 1,017 974 2,997 6,747 18,244 5,409 10,468
Mexico 16,114 13,724 11,768 13,974 17,240 15,634 11,012 11,926

Family Unit Apprehensions Encountered by Fiscal Year*

Numbers below reflect Fiscal Year 2015, FY 2016 (October 1, 2015 - September 30, 2016)

Country FY 2015 FY 2016
El Salvador 10,872 27,114
Guatemala 12,820 23,067
Honduras 10,671 20,226
Mexico 4,276 3,481

*Note: (Family Unit represents the number of individuals (either a child under 18 years old, parent or legal guardian) apprehended with a family member by the U.S. Border Patrol.) 

United States Border Patrol Southwest Family Unit Subject and Unaccompanied Alien Children Apprehensions Fiscal Year 2016 - By Month

Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 240 185 735
Del Rio Sector 283 237 1,873
El Centro Sector 89 76 1,214
El Paso Sector 266 239 1,641
Laredo Sector 152 242 3,146
Rio Grande Sector 4,172 3,012 15,036
San Diego Sector 108 105 2,082
Tucson Sector 303 618 5,903
Yuma Sector 413 230 1,101
Southwest Border Total 6,026 4,944 32,731
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 123 133 637
Del Rio Sector 314 255 1,798
El Centro Sector 110 99 1,240
El Paso Sector 424 330 1,680
Laredo Sector 160 278 3,249
Rio Grande Sector 4,356 3,444 15,298
San Diego Sector 134 98 2,024
Tucson Sector 376 661 5,792
Yuma Sector 474 312 1,126
Southwest Border Total 6,471 5,610 32,844
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 166 143 689
Del Rio Sector 539 327 2,185
El Centro Sector 164 98 1,253
El Paso Sector 751 459 2,183
Laredo Sector 190 284 2,994
Rio Grande Sector 5,809 4,084 17,737
San Diego Sector 233 148 2,200
Tucson Sector 453 764 6,264
Yuma Sector 669 468 1,508
Southwest Border Total 8,974 6,775 37,013
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 53 55 388
Del Rio Sector 174 153 1,531
El Centro Sector 42 58 1,061
El Paso Sector 104 158 1,150
Laredo Sector 130 191 2.454
Rio Grande Sector 2,022 1,742 9,398
San Diego Sector 203 142 2,525
Tucson Sector 166 444 4,574
Yuma Sector 251 168 681
Southwest Border Total 3,145 3,111 23,762
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 41 46 458
Del Rio Sector 188 193 1,780
El Centro Sector 47 78 1,342
El Paso Sector 152 208 1,398
Laredo Sector 101 219 2,899
Rio Grande Sector 1,890 1,664 9,656
San Diego Sector 193 113 2,507
Tucson Sector 104 443 5,250
Yuma Sector 332 149 789
Southwest Border Total 3,048 3,113 26,079
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 39 74 617
Del Rio Sector 193 188 2,022
El Centro Sector 76 89 1,777
El Paso Sector 224 275 2,156
Laredo Sector 155 252 3,203
Rio Grande Sector 3,054 2,465 13,327
San Diego Sector 188 134 3,111
Tucson Sector 216 551 6,148
Yuma Sector 303 173 974
Southwest Border Total 4,448 4,201 33,335
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 29 90 736
Del Rio Sector 240 215 2224
El Centro Sector 118 145 2,098
El Paso Sector 349 302 2,411
Laredo Sector 151 268 3,665
Rio Grande Sector 3,848 3,297 16,709
San Diego Sector 245 155 3,330
Tucson Sector 174 500 5,794
Yuma Sector 461 226 1,168
Southwest Border Total 5,615 5,198 38,135
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 76 66 493
Del Rio Sector 397 278 2,591
El Centro Sector 155 125 2,004
El Paso Sector 437 299 2,482
Laredo Sector 119 298 3,407
Rio Grande Sector 4,566 3,549 18,294
San Diego Sector 199 146 3,121
Tucson Sector 257 595 6,581
Yuma Sector 582 313 1,393
Southwest Border Total 6,788 5,669 40,366
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 43 43 292
Del Rio Sector 226 190 1,918
El Centro Sector 104 101 1.722
El Paso Sector 473 338 2,368
Laredo Sector 103 204 2,909
Rio Grande Sector 4,571 2,975 15,974
San Diego Sector 243 117 2,526
Tucson Sector 234 529 5,432
Yuma Sector 629 292 2,368
Southwest Border Total 6,626 4,789 34,463
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 47 41 344
Del Rio Sector 353 244 1834
El Centro Sector 180 147 1677
El Paso Sector 617 376 2501
Laredo Sector 119 194 2650
Rio Grande Sector 5031 3212 16518
San Diego Sector 309 93 2557
Tucson Sector 281 408 4365
Yuma Sector 630 288 1291
Southwest Border Total 7567 5003 33,737
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 97 27 326
Del Rio Sector 293 166 1,445
El Centro Sector 210 196 2,050
El Paso Sector 868 439 2,708
Laredo Sector 135 268 2,890
Rio Grande Sector 6,344 3,779 19,155
San Diego Sector 372 148 2,751
Tucson Sector 335 406 4,303
Yuma Sector 705 375 1,429
Southwest Border Total 9,359 5,804 37,057
Sector FMUA UAC Total Apprehensions
Big Bend Sector 92 56 650
Del Rio Sector 349 247 1,881
El Centro Sector 295 185 2,032
El Paso Sector 1,004 499 2,955
Laredo Sector 125 264 3,129
Rio Grande Sector 6,342 3,546 19,753
San Diego Sector 435 161 3,183
Tucson Sector 243 432 4,527
Yuma Sector 724 309 1,391
Southwest Border Total 9,609 5,699 39,501
Last Modified: Nov 02, 2023