On October 17, 2016, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Jeh Johnson released a statement on Southwest Border Security. He states that in Fiscal Year 2016 (FY2016) the total apprehensions by Border Patrol on the U.S.’s southwest border was 408,870. This total represents an increase over FY2015’s number but is lower than FY2014 and FY2013. DHS feels that border apprehensions are an indicator of total attempts to cross the border illegally. The data indicates that the demographics of illegal migration using the U.S.’s southern border have changed with fewer Mexican Nationals and single adults attempting to illegally cross the border and more Central America families and unaccompanied children fleeing poverty and violence.
Southwest Border Apprehensions – FY2013 – FY2016
| Category | FY2013 | FY2014 | FY2015 | FY2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unaccompanied children | 38,759 | 68,541 | 39,970 | 59,692 |
| Family members | 14,855 | 68,445 | 39,838 | 77,674 |
| Individuals | 360,783 | 342,385 | 251,525 | 271,504 |
| Total | 414,397 | 479,371 | 331,333 | 408,870 |
For further details please review the DHS Press Release, “Statement by Secretary Johnson on Southwest Border Security “.
Source of Information:
DHS.gov, 10/17/16, Press Release:
Statement by Secretary Johnson on Southwest Border Security