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Following a high-level meeting with Mexican officials, the U.S. State Department has reported significant progress in the crackdown on illegal immigration.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller highlighted the effectiveness of the joint efforts, stating, “Our coordinated efforts with Mexico are demonstrating positive results at our shared border.” This statement came after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meeting with Mexican Foreign Secretary Alicia Bárcena in Washington, where they discussed immigration issues and broader bilateral cooperation.

In addition to addressing the immediate concerns at the U.S.-Mexico border, the U.S. has pledged support for Guatemala. In a statement, the State Department said, “The United States stands ready to support the people of Guatemala and their new government on a wide range of issues including economic development and hemispheric migration management.”

The progress in U.S.-Mexico immigration collaboration comes amidst political challenges in the U.S., with Republicans in Congress linking border security policies to the approval of emergency funding for Ukraine. They have criticized President Joe Biden’s immigration policies for the surge in migrants.

Despite the demands, The White House has said President Biden remains optimistic about reaching a consensus on border issues, especially in the Senate. Over the weekend, President Biden said he was “hopeful” that “a deal over the U.S.-Mexico border could be worked out next week – at least in the Senate,”