CBP One Use Rises as Migrant Numbers Drop, Leaving Centers Nearly Empty

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Key Takeaways

Migrant encounters at the southwest border dropped 81% from December 2023 to December 2024, totaling 52,082 encounters that month.
Since June 2024, DHS conducted over 271,000 removals and tripled expedited removals, reducing irregular crossings and improving efficiency.
CBP One™ processed nearly 936,500 appointments since launch, streamlining applications and encouraging lawful entry methods while reducing irregular crossings.

Recent figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show a steep decline in migrant encounters at the southwest border, with some processing centers now described as “nearly empty.” This stark turnaround comes after months of record-breaking border activity, highlighting a considerable shift in migration patterns over recent months.

Data from December 2024 reveal only 47,330 encounters between ports of entry along the southwest border, representing a remarkable 81% drop compared to December 2023. Including encounters at ports of entry without a prior CBP One™ appointment, the total number for December 2024 reached 52,082—only marginally higher than the 51,191 recorded in November 2024. This trend continued a decline that has been evident since June 2024.

CBP One Use Rises as Migrant Numbers Drop, Leaving Centers Nearly Empty

Key Policy Impacts

This decrease is closely linked to actions taken by the Biden-Harris Administration in June 2024. These measures have had a clear effect on border activity, reducing encounters between ports of entry by 60% from May to December 2024. Notably, the encounters reported in November and December 2024 were at their lowest since August 2020 and fell below the monthly average for 2019. Such results suggest these policies have significantly influenced migration behavior.

The policy changes have also expedited migrant processing and removals. Since June 5, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has tripled the percentage of migrants subjected to Expedited Removal. This process allows for faster removal of individuals who do not qualify to remain in the U.S. Further, the number of migrants released by U.S. Border Patrol while awaiting immigration court dates decreased sharply—by 89%. These shifts reflect a concerted effort to discourage irregular crossings while emphasizing efficiency and compliance with immigration law.

From June to December 2024, DHS has conducted over 271,000 removals to more than 160 countries. Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) oversaw more than 860 international repatriation flights during this period. In fiscal year 2024, DHS completed around 700,000 removals and returns—the highest number recorded since 2010. Notably, the majority of this figure involved transfers to countries other than Mexico, marking a notable development in global migration enforcement trends.

Variations in Regional Trends

The decrease in migrant encounters has not occurred evenly across all border sectors. One key example of progress is the Swanton Sector at parts of the northern border. From June to December 2024, this sector saw an 89% reduction in encounters, suggesting that CBP’s expanded enforcement efforts have successfully addressed changing migration routes. These efforts include new strategies to respond to shifts in crossing behaviors.

Another significant trend concerns individuals attempting to evade detection altogether. Authorities estimate a 60% drop in migrant “gotaways”—those who cross irregularly but avoid contact with CBP—from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2024. This aligns with enhanced enforcement measures and streamlined border management tools, which collectively make it harder for people to cross unnoticed and incentivize lawful methods of entry.

Technology’s Role in Migration Management

The CBP One™ mobile application has proven to be an essential tool in this transformed migration landscape. Introduced in January 2023, the app allows migrants to provide information and schedule appointments at ports of entry in advance. This digital tool has revolutionized CBP’s ability to handle applications efficiently, ensuring smoother processing and reducing wait times.

In December 2024 alone, CBP used CBP One™ to process nearly 44,000 individuals, demonstrating the app’s widespread adoption. From its launch through the end of December 2024, more than 936,500 appointments have been successfully scheduled using the app. This efficiency discourages irregular crossings, as migrants increasingly use formal methods to seek entry. The integration of CBP One™ exemplifies how technology can play a pivotal role in better organizing and managing migration.

Specific Programs and Outcomes

Another major factor in the recent shift is the parole process implementation for nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, collectively referred to as CHNV. Through the end of December 2024, about 531,690 people from these nations arrived in the U.S. lawfully through these processes. This program allows individuals to seek legal entry under specific conditions, bypassing the risks of irregular crossings. Since these programs began, encounters with these groups between ports of entry have dropped by an impressive 91%. This dramatic improvement highlights how tailored programs can encourage lawful entry while providing viable alternatives to irregular routes.

Evolving Conditions at Processing Centers

The combination of these enforcement strategies, policy changes, and technology-driven solutions has led to substantial improvements on the ground. Some processing centers, once plagued by overcrowding, are now described as nearly empty. This development marks a dramatic improvement from the severely strained conditions seen just months ago. Streamlined processing and the decline in irregular crossings have allowed such facilities to operate more effectively.

These changes signify a departure from the crises that have historically characterized border management during periods of high migration. With fewer people crossing irregularly and fewer migrants awaiting resolution in facilities, CBP can shift its focus toward refining long-term strategies for securing the border and managing future challenges.

Future Directions and Commitment to Border Security

Looking ahead, CBP remains focused on enhancing its operations. Plans include the 21st Century Customs Framework, designed to bolster the agency’s capacity to intercept harmful goods, such as fentanyl, while maintaining smooth processing for migrants. Additionally, CBP is working alongside the Department of Treasury to advance regulatory changes that improve operational efficiency.

At the same time, CBP has signaled its ongoing dedication to upholding lawful trade and travel while ensuring a secure border. By addressing irregular migration strategically and proactively introducing tools like CBP One™, the agency is adapting to new challenges without compromising key principles.

Overall Implications

These developments indicate that border management policies can have a profound impact on migration trends. The sharp decline in encounters at the southwest border demonstrates that a combination of enforcement measures, legal pathways, and technological advancements can significantly influence migration behavior. Reduced irregular crossings benefit not only the individuals seeking entry but also the systems designed to process and support lawful immigration effectively.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these trends reflect a commitment by the U.S. to balance strict enforcement with meaningful options for lawful entry. Border policies will likely continue to evolve, driven by both migration trends and broader social, political, and economic factors. The recent progress highlights the importance of responsive, flexible measures that adapt to changing realities while respecting the need for a secure yet humane immigration system.

For additional official information on CBP One™ or border security policies, readers can visit the CBP One webpage.

In conclusion, the sharp drop in migrant encounters at the southwest border showcases the effectiveness of recent policy and enforcement changes. Factors like the CBP One™ app and CHNV parole processes are cornerstones of this progress, allowing for smoother migration processes and reduced pressure on border facilities. While challenges in managing borders are far from resolved, CBP’s adaptive approach shows promise in creating a safer, more sustainable migration system. As migration patterns continue to shift, sustained efforts will be critical to ensuring lasting progress.

Learn Today

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → A federal agency responsible for securing U.S. borders, managing immigration, and facilitating lawful trade and travel.
Expedited Removal → A process allowing authorities to quickly deport individuals who do not meet legal entry or stay requirements.
CBP One™ → A mobile app enabling migrants to provide information and schedule appointments at U.S. ports of entry in advance.
CHNV Parole Process → A program allowing certain nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to seek legal entry under specific conditions.
Migrant “Gotaway” → A term for individuals who cross borders irregularly and avoid detection or contact with immigration authorities.

This Article in a Nutshell

Migrant encounters at the southwest U.S. border have plummeted by 81% within a year, thanks to revamped policies, streamlined processing, and tech tools like CBP One™. Tailored programs, expedited removals, and legal pathways, such as the CHNV parole process, now dominate. These changes highlight a transformative step toward balanced, humane border management.
— By VisaVerge.com