InHouse America

U.S. Border Security Challenges: Unauthorized Crossings Surge to 2.4 Million Annually

By InHouse America Staff | Data Analytics

Published: 9:30 am (GMT-5), Wed September 18, 2024

3 Minute Read

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Unauthorized Border Crossings

(2016 – 2020)

Border encounters averaged 563,000 annually. Notable fluctuations included a drop to 310,000 in 2017, followed by a spike to 977,000 in 2019.

(2021– 2024)

Encounters soared to 2.4 million annually, a 327% increase compared to 2016–2020. In 2022 alone, crossings reached 2.76 million.

Possible Solutions

Invest $1.5 billion in advanced surveillance to cut crossings by 15%, potentially reducing encounters by 360,000 annually.

Source: (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)


Border Patrol Staffing and Resources

(2016 - 2020)

Border Patrol had about 19,648 agents. Processing times increased by 50% during the 2019 surge.

(2021 - 2024)

With twice the workload, staffing costs surged, reaching $70 million in overtime in 2023.

Possible Solutions

A $2 billion investment could add 5,000 agents and cut overtime costs by 50%, saving $35 million yearly.

Source: (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)


Smuggling and Human Trafficking

(2016 - 2020)

Around 250,000 individuals trafficked annually, with cartels earning about $2.3 billion per year.

(2021 - 2024)

Trafficking rose to 400,000 individuals annually, with cartel revenue climbing to $3.2 billion.

Possible Solutions

A $500 million initiative could reduce trafficking by 25%, impacting 100,000 individuals.

Source: (International Organization for Migration, U.S. State Department)


Unaccompanied Minors

(2016 - 2020)

76,000 minors crossed the border in 2019, with an average of 30,000 annually.

(2021 - 2024)

This number increased by 400%, with 150,000 minors in 2022. Shelter capacity fell short by 30%.

Possible Solutions

Invest $1 billion to expand shelter capacity by 50%, adding 20,000 beds.

Source: (U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement)


Border Wall and Infrastructure

(2016 - 2020)

452 miles of new wall built at $24.3 million per mile, reducing crossings in high-traffic areas by 20%.

(2021 - 2024)

Only 55 miles of wall constructed; focus shifted to $1.2 billion in technology. Crossings in high-traffic zones increased by 25%.

Possible Solutions

A $1.8 billion investment in barriers and technology could cut crossings by 25%, affecting 500,000 entries annually.

Source: (U.S. Government Accountability Office)


Asylum Backlog

(2016 - 2020)

Backlog reached 1.02 million cases with an 18-month wait time.

(2021 - 2024)

Backlog doubled to 1.9 million cases, with a 24-month wait and processing costs of $7.6 billion annually.

Possible Solutions

$750 million could increase the number of judges by 40%, cutting backlog and costs by 20%.

Source: (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)


Drug Trafficking

(2016 - 2020)

Fentanyl seizures averaged 4,500 pounds per year, worth $90 million.

(2021 - 2024)

Seizures surged to 12,000 pounds, valued at $240 million annually.

Possible Solutions

A $1 billion investment in scanning technology could intercept an additional $72 million in fentanyl.

Source: (Drug Enforcement Administration)


Public Opinion and Political Division

(2016 - 2020)

Support for the border wall was 60% in 2016, dropping to 44% by 2020. Immigration spending averaged $10 billion annually.

(2021 - 2024)

Support for enforcement stabilized at 54%, with spending increasing to $15 billion per year.

Possible Solutions

A $100 million campaign could sway 10% of the 46% opposing stricter policies, impacting 23 million people.

Source: (Pew Research Center)


InHouse America Advocates For More Security

InHouse America’s mission to promote secure and regulated online marketplaces parallels the need for improved U.S. border security. The dramatic rise in unauthorized crossings and human trafficking highlights the importance of effective security measures.

Further Insights

By advocating for $1.5 billion in surveillance and $500 million in anti-trafficking investments, InHouse America aligns with its goal of ensuring safety and integrity, both online and at the border. These efforts are crucial for maintaining a trustworthy environment, whether in physical security or digital marketplaces.


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