But the move comes at a time when a new surge of migrants is straining federal and local resources and placing heavy political pressure on the Biden administration to address a sprawling crisis.
Border Patrol reported nearly 300,000 encounters in the Rio Grande Valley sector between last October and August, according to federal data.
Last month, Border Patrol apprehended more than 200,000 migrants crossing the US-Mexico border, the highest total this year.
Over the last two years, his administration has continued to face fierce pushback from Republicans – and at times, Democrats – over his immigration policies.
Senior administration officials maintain that the US has been in regular touch with Mexico over the situation at the US southern border, including commitments to shore up enforcement.
Persons:
Washington CNN —, Biden, Joe Biden –, –, Alejandro Mayorkas, ” Mayorkas, “, Antony Blinken, General Merrick Garland, Liz Sherwood, Randall
Organizations:
Washington CNN, Federal, Border Patrol, US, –, Republican, of Homeland Security, Homeland, US Federal Registry, “ DHS, Customs, Protection, Environmental, US Customs, Border Protection, CNN, House Homeland
Locations:
Rio Grande, Rio Grande Valley, Mexico, New York, Chicago, Starr County , Texas, United States, Mayorkas, “, Texas, Starr County, Mexico City