US : The number of migrants detained at the US-Mexico border in July exceeded 200,000 for the first time in 21 years, government data shows.
A total of 212,672 migrants were apprehended by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including an all-time high of 19,000 unaccompanied minors.
It continues a trend of rising migrant numbers this year, despite the White House urging people to stay away.
Experts say many migrants are fleeing violence and extreme poverty.
The July figure represents the highest monthly total since April 2000 – the latest sign of the growing humanitarian crisis facing the Biden administration.
Attempted migrant crossings have historically dipped during the hot summer months along the nearly 2,000-mile southern border.
On Thursday, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas described the situation as “one of the toughest challenges” the country faces.
“It is complicated, changing and involves vulnerable people at a time of a global pandemic,” he said.
