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Mexico has intensified its immigration enforcement, which US officials say has led to a noticeable decrease in illegal border crossings. According to officials, Arrests for illegal crossings have significantly dropped, with US authorities reporting a decline to about 2,500 on a recent Monday, down from over 10,000 on several days in December. This decrease has led to the reopening of various US border entry points and has had economic implications for border communities reliant on cross-border traffic.

The new enforcement measures being taken by Mexico include a significant number of flights transferring migrants from the US border region to southern Mexico and Venezuela. These actions follow a landmark visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Mexico City, addressing historic levels of illegal crossings into the United States.

This comes as discussions between the White House and Senate negotiators include proposals for new expulsion authority, potentially denying the right to those claiming asylum under certain circumstances.

Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute, has called on lawmakers not to rely on Mexico for border enforcement, noting that while there may be short-term effects, the long-term impact on migration patterns is to be seen.