Migrant crossings drop at U.S.-Mexico border after Title 42 expiry

Migrants stand near the Rio Bravo river after crossing the border to, request asylum in the United States, as a member of the Texas Army National Guard stands guard to inhibit migrants crossing, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico May 13, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have unexpectedly fallen, not risen, since Title 42 curbs expired and reinstating criminal penalties for illegal entry is likely the biggest reason, the Biden administration said on Sunday.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said border patrol agents have seen a 50% drop in the number of migrants crossing the border since Thursday, when President Joe Biden's administration shifted to a sweeping new asylum regulation meant to deter illegal crossings.