Origiginally published May 19, 2023 8:35 am PDT
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently unveiled its monthly operational statistics for April 2023, highlighting a noteworthy rise in border encounters, as well as a concerning spike in fentanyl seizures.
Increasing Encounters at the Border
According to the report, CBP officers recorded 211,401 encounters along the southwest border in April, representing a 10% increase from the 191,956 encounters registered in March 2023.
Among these encounters, there was a notable increase in the number of single adults and family unit individuals, up 5% and 28% respectively compared to March.
Sharp Spike in Fentanyl Seizures
One of the most alarming data points in the report pertains to the dramatic increase in fentanyl seizures.
CBP’s fentanyl seizures surged by 14% in April compared to March and have risen by over 400% since fiscal year 2019.
In the first seven months of fiscal year 2023, CBP seized over 17,000 pounds of fentanyl, significantly surpassing the 6,600 pounds seized from October 2021 through April 2022.
Rising Repeat Encounters
Of the total encounters along the southwest border in April, 23% were repeat encounters, an increase from the one-year re-encounter rate average of 14% for fiscal years 2014-2019.
This suggests a rise in the number of individuals attempting multiple crossings.
Changes in Nationalities Encountered
CBP’s report also detailed changes in the number of encounters by nationality.
Encounters with Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans increased dramatically, with encounters involving Venezuelans alone rising by an astounding 727% from March to April 2023.
Intellectual Property Rights and Trade Violations
CBP also reported a significant number of seizures related to intellectual property rights violations.
In April, the agency seized 1,864 shipments containing counterfeit goods valued at over $2.7 billion.
Additionally, CBP conducted 33 audits revealing $136 million in duties and fees owed to the U.S. government due to improperly declared goods.
Blaming Biden
Highlighting his administration’s responsibility over the border, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) has declared her intention to introduce impeachment articles against Joe Biden.
“Today, with the utmost gravity, I reveal my intent to introduce impeachment articles against the individual at the helm of this Executive Branch, which, since January 20th, 2021, has steadily sought to bring this nation to its knees: the President of the United States, Joseph Robinette Biden,” Rep. Green said at a press conference.
Biden’s refusal to enforce immigration laws and secure the nation’s borders has had a detrimental impact on U.S. national security, according to the Georgia representative.
She accused him of allowing “around six million illegals from over 170 countries to trespass on our nation,” and slammed his administration for what she sees as the intentional deprivation of necessary resources to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“His administration has intentionally neglected its duty to uphold operational control as demanded by law,” she said.
