Illegal Immigration Surge: 106% More Unaccompanied Minors, 173% More ‘Family Units’ Apprehended

The latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) statistics show that illegal immigration by unaccompanied minors and family units surged during the first two months of FY2016 compared to the same period in FY2015.

According to CPB, 106 percent more unaccompanied alien children (UAC) under the age of 17 were apprehended illegally crossing the southern border of the U.S. between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30, 2015 than during the same time a year ago.

Statistics released by the federal agency show that 10,588 UACs were apprehended at the nation’s southern border with Mexico compared to the first two months of FY2015, when 5,129 UACs were taken into custody.

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The statistics also show an even larger surge in the number of family units apprehended at the border – a 173 percent increase so far in the first two months of FY2016.

According to statistics from FY2015 (Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, 2014) 4,577 family units were apprehended at the southwest border, compared to 12,505 during the same period in FY2016.

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CBP also said that the Obama administration would be expanding its holding facilities to accommodate the latest surge in illegal immigration.

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Despite its own statistics showing a new surge in illegal immigration, CBP stated that the Obama administration is working “aggressively” to secure the U.S. border.

“We continue to aggressively work to secure our borders, address underlying causes and deter future increases in unauthorized migration, while ensuring that those with legitimate humanitarian claims are afforded the opportunity to seek protection,” the statement reads. “We also continue to look at broader regional efforts to address the flow of children and family units from Central America into the United States.”

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