Arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico have seen a significant decline in January, dropping by half from the record highs in December. This decline comes as welcome news for the White House, as immigration becomes a major issue in this year's presidential election. Exit polls have shown that it is the top concern among many Republican voters in early primaries.

The decrease in arrests can be attributed to a combination of seasonal declines and heightened enforcement efforts by the U.S. and its allies. Troy Miller, the acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, stated that the sharp decline was also a result of Mexico's crackdown on illegal crossings, which began in late December. Authorities have repeatedly praised Mexico for their efforts in curbing illegal immigration.

In January, Border Patrol arrests totaled 124,220, down 50% from the record-breaking 249,735 in December. The decrease was particularly notable among Venezuelans, with arrests plunging by 91% from 46,920 in December to 4,422 in January. However, it is important to note that these numbers can fluctuate, and the decline in January may not be a long-term trend.

While the U.S.-Mexico border saw a decline in illegal crossings, Panama reported an increase in migrants crossing the notorious Darien Gap. In January, 36,001 migrants made the treacherous journey through the Panamanian jungle, a 46% increase from December. The majority of these migrants are Venezuelans heading to the United States, with significant numbers from Haiti, China, Ecuador, and Colombia.

Tucson, Arizona, remained the busiest sector for illegal crossings in January, with 50,565 arrests, a 37% decrease from December. San Diego followed closely behind. The Del Rio sector, which includes Eagle Pass, Texas, saw a significant drop of 76% in arrests, reaching the lowest level since December 2021. This sector has been the main focus of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's border enforcement efforts. In the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, arrests dropped by 60% to 7,340, the lowest since July 2020.

The only months of President Joe Biden's presidency with fewer border arrests were in June 2023, after pandemic-related asylum restrictions were lifted, and February 2021, his first full month in office.

In an interview with The Associated Press in January, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas credited Mexico's increased enforcement efforts for the substantial drop in the number of migrants encountered at the southern border. Mayorkas explained that Mexico's immigration enforcement agency lacked the necessary funds in December but rectified the situation, leading to immediate results.

While the decline in arrests is a positive development for the Biden administration, it is important to consider that the total number of encounters with migrants, including those who were allowed to enter the United States under new or expanded legal pathways, reached 176,205 in January. This figure includes migrants who crossed the border through land crossings with Mexico using the CBP One online appointment system.

Overall, the decline in arrests for illegal crossings in January reflects the ebb and flow of migration patterns. Various factors, such as enforcement efforts by the U.S. and Mexico, seasonal trends, and changes in immigration policies, contribute to these fluctuations. The Biden administration will continue to face challenges in managing the immigration system and addressing the concerns surrounding border security.