Migrant Encounters at Southern Border Entry Points Surpassed Those Between Them for The First Time Ever

Encounters of migrants at U.S. ports of entry along the southern border exceeded those at locations between them for the first time ever in November, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data obtained by NewsNation.

CBP's Office of Field Operations reported 47,500 encounters at designated points of entry last month, while the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 46,660 encounters between ports of entry. The combined total of 94,210 encounters represents a drop from October's overall 106,344 encounters, but officials say the shift in entry methods shows a significant trend.

Experts consulted by NewsNation attribute the rise in port-of-entry encounters to expanded use of the CBP One app, which allows migrants to pre-register for immigration hearings before reaching the U.S.-Mexico border. According to the CBP's official website, the App is "part of CBP's comprehensive effort to improve the security of our nation's borders while enhancing legitimate travel and trade" and "provides increased accessibility and transparency to some of CBP's most utilized services."

CBP increased access to the app in August, allowing non-Mexican citizens in southern Mexico to schedule immigration appointments for the first time. Federal data shows that approximately 1,600 migrants are using the app daily to enter through legal points of entry.

The Biden administration has promoted the app as part of its strategy to provide a legal pathway for migrants and reduce irregular crossings. In July, CBP reported a 70% drop in illegal border crossings compared to the same period in 2023, attributing the decline partly to new border security measures, including the app's expansion.

The news comes as the incoming Trump administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump and his border czar Tom Homan, prepares to tighten border security. Trump himself has referred to the App as a 'phone App for smuggling illegals' and has vowed to end its use during the campaign trail: