While Migrant Encounters at the U.S.-Mexico Border in 2021 Were High, They Likely Do Not Set a New Record Level of Migration

WASHINGTON — With today’s official reporting that the Border Patrol encountered migrants crossing the southwest border without authorization 1.66 million times during fiscal year (FY) 2021 (a number that rises to 1.73 million when interactions at ports of entry are included), many have been quick to proclaim this a new all-time record, surpassing the 1.64 million apprehensions made 21 years ago.