U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson said 46,195 individuals were arrested in October between ports of entry along the U.S. southwest border, up from 39,501 the prior month.
“I have told our border security and immigration enforcement personnel that we must keep pace with this increase,” Johnson said in a statement.
“As a result, there are currently about 41,000 individuals in our immigration detention facilities — typically, the number in immigration detention fluctuates between 31,000 and 34,000 — and I have authorized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to acquire additional detention space for single adults so that those apprehended at the border can be returned to their home countries as soon as possible,” he added.
The latest figures also show an increase from August, when 37,048 individuals were apprehended between ports of entry at the southwest border.
Johnson said the department is engaging with a number of countries to repatriate their citizens, with many agreeing to do so.
The department is prioritizing the deportation of undocumented immigrants who are convicted of serious crimes and those apprehended at the border attempting to enter the country illegally.
“Those who attempt to enter our country without authorization should know that, consistent with our laws and our values, we must and we will send you back,” Johnson said.
Earlier in 2016, the government of Costa Rica agreed to enter into a protection transfer arrangement with the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration to help address the issue of rising migrants coming from Central America.