More than 240,000 people arrived at southern border in October: CBP

The CBP monthly update further pointed to the agency's seizure of 1,661 pounds of fentanyl in October, of the roughly 27,000 pounds seized in fiscal year 2023.

By Ben Whedon

Published: November 14, 2023 4:10pm

Nearly a quarter of a million people arrived at the United States' southern border with Mexico during the month of October, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

In total, the agency recorded 240,988 encounters at the southwest border, including 188,778 between ports of entry, marking respective 11% and 14% drops from September.

The agency further stated that it removed or returned more than 355,000 individuals between May and October, asserting that "DHS has removed or returned more individual family members in the last six months than in any previous full fiscal year."

Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller touted the statistics, specifically highlighting a decline in arrivals from Venezuela.

"In conjunction with our resumption of removal flights to Venezuela consistent with delivering consequences for those who cross the border unlawfully, CBP saw a 65 percent decrease in southwest border encounters of Venezuelans in the second half of October, compared to the second half of September," he said. "We continue to enhance our border security posture and remain vigilant."

The CBP monthly update further pointed to the agency's seizure of 1,661 pounds of fentanyl in October, of the roughly 27,000 pounds seized in fiscal year 2023. In fiscal year 2022, CBP seized just 14,600 pounds of the substance.

Miller highlighted the uptick in narcotics seizures, urging Congress to approve a funding request from President Joe Biden to bolster their efforts.

"CBP’s narcotics seizures in October highlight our work on the frontline in the fight against fentanyl and other dangerous substances entering the United States – but we need more resources to sustain and increase these efforts," Miller continued. "The President’s supplemental budget request is critical to funding the frontline, and would provide much-needed personnel, resources, and technology to go after transnational criminal organizations, enhance border security – including the enforcement of consequences for those who break the law – and support state and local partners, all to keep Americans safe."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.