More illegal immigrants are evading Border Patrol under Biden than under past presidents.
Illegal immigration remains a pressing issue at the southern border, highlighted by the alarming numbers of “gotaways” – illegal immigrants who evade Border Patrol but are detected through other means like cameras and sensors. A recent Freedom of Information Act request revealed that from FY 2010 to FY 2020, over 1.4 million gotaways were recorded, with numbers peaking at 171,663 in FY 2013.
During President Biden’s tenure, illegal border crossings have been a contentious topic. Despite the administration’s claims of a decline in such activities, statistics show a different story. In FY 2020, there were 136,808 gotaways, a figure that surged to 670,674 by FY 2023.
The year 2021 marked a significant rise in both migrant crossings and gotaways, with alarming numbers of 387,398 reported. Crisis levels were reached in FY 2022 and 2023, with a total of 1.6 million gotaways in these years alone, surpassing the previous decade’s figures.
Border Patrol officials have expressed worries about the unknown individuals who manage to escape capture. Chief Jason Owens emphasized the potential risks posed by these individuals and their intentions, as well as the challenges of identifying and monitoring them effectively.
Increased investments in surveillance technology have enhanced Border Patrol’s ability to detect gotaways, providing a more comprehensive view of the situation at the border. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has acknowledged the evolving patterns of migration flow and the need for reforms in the immigration system.
Addressing Congress, Mayorkas highlighted the administration’s efforts to apprehend a significant percentage of border crossers. Despite achieving record numbers of removals and returns of illegal immigrants, the Department of Homeland Security stresses the urgency of congressional funding and policy reform to tackle the ongoing challenges.
Proposed legislative measures to address the border security crisis have faced opposition, with concerns about normalizing high levels of illegal immigration. Balancing increased funding with strategic border control measures remains a topic of debate among lawmakers seeking effective solutions.
As the complex issue of illegal immigration continues to unfold at the southern border, the need for comprehensive strategies to address the phenomenon of “gotaways” and enhance border security remains a top priority for government officials and policymakers.
