Ease in coronavirus restrictions in U.S. is followed by surge last month in illegal border crossings

The easing of coronavirus restrictions in the U.S. reportedly resulted in a surge last month of human and drug smuggling along the Mexico border.

Border Patrol agents reported catching semi tractor trailers, some packed with as many as five dozen illegal immigrants, on border highways and at checkpoints en route to the U.S., according to The Washington Times.

Border Patrol agents in May apprehended 21,475 people trying to illegally cross the border. CBP officers at ports of entry encountered another 1,643 migrants attempting to enter without authorization.

The 23,118 combined is up from 16,789 in April –  a 38% increase, according to The Times. 

Still the total is below the record-setting May 2019 number –  144,116 illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern U.S. border, including 132,856 reportedly caught by Border Patrol agents.