Chinese illegal immigrants are crossing the US-Mexico border in record numbers, raising concerns among lawmakers and officials. On May 1 and May 2, Border Patrol’s San Diego Sector apprehended over 200 Chinese nationals each day, surpassing the total number encountered in all of Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21).
Data indicates a surge in Chinese illegal crossings in recent years: 1,970 encounters in FY2022, over 24,000 in FY2023, and already over 24,200 this fiscal year. This represents a 6,300% increase since FY21. Some migrants seek a better life in the US, while authorities fear espionage and fentanyl trafficking.
Lawmakers like Sen. Roger Marshall have raised concerns about potential espionage by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), citing documented instances of Chinese nationals engaging in such activities. In a recent incident, a Chinese illegal immigrant was detained in California after entering a Marine Corps base without authorization.
In response, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has stressed consequences for illegal entry, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has emphasized expanding lawful pathways and strengthening enforcement measures. However, most Chinese immigrants are mass released due to China’s lack of cooperation with deportation flights.
Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner has acknowledged the difficulty in deporting nationals from certain countries, including China, emphasizing the need for collaboration between agencies and diplomatic efforts. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently reported a successful deportation flight to China after discussions with Chinese officials.
Despite these efforts, the influx of Chinese illegal crossings continues to raise concerns about national security and border integrity, prompting ongoing discussions and efforts to address the situation.
