In brief
As the inauguration of President Trump approaches, a surprising calm has settled over the border with Mexico, as migrant shelters show signs of decreased activity.
In Ciudad Juárez, a city that once thrived with migrants camped along the Rio Grande, the streets are now eerily quiet. The bustling encampments that characterized the border region have largely vanished, leaving behind remnants like discarded belongings. Ahead of Trump's inauguration, authorities noticed a significant downturn in the number of individuals attempting to cross into the United States, a trend attributed to strict immigration measures put in place by both the U.S. and Mexico. Reports indicate that migrant shelters are currently operating at just 40% capacity, a stark contrast from months prior when they were overflowing. Meanwhile, alongside the declining number of migrants, illegal crossings into the U.S. dropped from 117,905 in one month to 83,532 the next after President Biden imposed new restrictions on asylum seekers during his campaign to tackle rising migration. While the uptick in enforcement efforts has brought some relief, it has also sparked debates among legislators from both parties who are advocating for even stronger restrictive measures as migrant numbers surpass those seen during much of Trump’s first term. This ongoing struggle to balance humanitarian needs with border security continues to shape the narrative at the southern border as Trump prepares to assume office.
