A total of over 10,000 unaccompanied minors crossed the U.S.-Mexico border between October and November, which is more than double the 5,129 who crossed during the same months last year.
Meanwhile, the number of family members crossing together has nearly tripled to 12,505.
Last year, changes were implemented that included deploying 150 additional Border Patrol agents to the Rio Grande Valley, where the most unaccompanied minors arrive, according to NBC News.
A plan was also approved to allow young children from Central America to apply for refugee status in the U.S. in a bid to discourage them from making the risky journey across Mexico.
However, smugglers have adjusted their routes, finding new ones, and are working around border control points that the Mexicans have put in place, Wendy Young, president of Kids in Need of Defense told NBC News.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection also said that they are continuing to ‘aggressively work to secure our borders’ and address ‘deter future increases in unauthorized migration,’ while making sure those with legitimate humanitarian claims are given the opportunity to seek protection.
By law, the Border Patrol has 72 hours to turn unaccompanied minors from Central America over to Health and Human Services, which is then responsible for their care until they are placed with a sponsor or have an immigration hearing.
Read More: More Than 10,000 Unaccompanied Minors Apprehended on U.S. Border in Last Two Months
