‘Now’s the time’: Trump victory has Biden admin bracing for migrant surge at southern border

The Biden administration is reportedly bracing for a potential surge of migrants at the southern border ahead of the looming Trump administration. Concerns are rising that migrants may try to enter the U.S. before President-elect Trump enforces strict border controls.

After a historic surge that overwhelmed officials and communities across the country, the numbers at the southern border have significantly decreased since June. However, with Trump’s victory on Tuesday, there is a possibility of tougher border measures and a mass deportation operation.

According to NBC News, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas held a virtual meeting with top advisers and agency heads to discuss concerns about a potential spike in immigration before Trump takes office. Officials raised questions about whether DHS was prepared for a surge in migrants trying to enter the country at the last minute.

It is unlikely that migrants are motivated by the prospect of a Trump administration, which has promised stricter border policies and crackdowns on sanctuary cities. Instead, they may be seeking to take advantage of perceived lighter border security before the new administration takes office.

Conservatives and experts like Lora Ries, the director of the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, have warned of a possible rush to the border as smugglers spread the word that now is the time to enter before Trump’s policies are implemented.

Trump has pledged to enhance border security, including ending the use of certain programs to bring in migrants and expanding the border wall. He has also promised to launch a massive deportation operation to remove millions of illegal immigrants from the country.

Republicans have called for tighter restrictions on Temporary Protected Status and the reinstatement of policies like the Remain in Mexico program and travel bans on certain countries. Trump has even floated the idea of imposing tariffs on Mexican goods to pressure Mexico to control the flow of migrants.

While these looming restrictions may deter some migrants, others may still attempt to enter the U.S. as they have seen that the chances of being encountered and removed are relatively low once inside the country.

As the Biden administration prepares for a potential migrant surge, the situation at the southern border remains uncertain. With the Trump administration set to enact stricter border controls, the coming months may see increased activity as migrants try to enter the U.S. before the new policies take effect.