Less than six months before the next presidential election, the political arena is currently rife with contentious issues. Anything from defense spending to education initiatives is subject to intense ideological debates, deepening the divisions within the American public. And yet, few of these topics constitute the “developing crisis” that illegal immigration does.
Calls for a general immigration reform have been on for decades. However, they are currently being pushed down the list of emergent priorities. With record numbers of illegal border crossings, there is now a humanitarian crisis developing across the U.S.-Mexico border. Local and federal agencies are now overwhelmed, creating a perfect storm that puts immense strain on law enforcement personnel.
How is the Border Crisis Developing?
In 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered over 2.3 million migrants attempting to illegally cross the southern border – the highest number ever recorded. At times, up to 8,000 people per day have arrived at the border, vastly exceeding the capacity of holding facilities.
With federal agencies underwater, the burden has fallen increasingly on state and local law enforcement to deal with this influx of illegal immigrants. Police departments near the border have seen their resources stretched incredibly thin, preventing them from adequate patrolling and response to other crimes in their communities.
A Severe Public Safety Threat
Beyond just diverting resources, this deluge of illegal border crossers also poses a severe public safety threat. With federal screening systems completely overwhelmed, it has become much easier for criminals, gang members, and bad actors to slip through the cracks.
For example, in New Mexico, migrant arrests are up by 340%. Among those who jump through the cracks are human traffickers, gang members, and people with a documented history of violence.
There are also concerns about potential terrorism threats, with officials warning that the chaos could allow terrorists to slip across the border more easily. Several suspected terrorists have already been apprehended trying to cross illegally in recent months.
A Defining Issue for 2024
With no end to this border crisis, it has become one of the most important issues for voters heading into the 2024 presidential election. Two-thirds of Americans view illegal immigration as a critical threat that needs to be addressed, according to recent polling.
“Law and order is always a top priority for voters, and this situation has severely undermined that,” stated one political analyst. “If the next president can’t get a handle on the border chaos and protect communities from bad actors slipping through, they’ll face a furious backlash from law enforcement and the general public alike.”
Both parties have presented starkly different visions and policy proposals related to immigration and border security. Time will tell which resonates most with voters deeply worried about public safety and lawlessness. But one thing is clear—whoever takes the White House in 2024 will face immense pressure to finally bring the border crisis under control.
