Yes, the number of kids in Border Patrol custody is double 2019’s peak
Unaccompanied minors have been arriving at the southern U.S. border in record numbers since President Joe Biden took office, and Republican leaders in border states have been quick to highlight the challenges the federal government is facing.
Gov. Greg Abbott has hammered the Biden administration on border issues throughout March. First he accused the administration of “reckless border policies” that have released migrants who tested positive for COVID-19 into the U.S. And in recent weeks, the governor has focused on the uptick of unaccompanied minors arriving at the border.
On March 30, Abbott claimed in a tweet that “twice as many children are in Border Patrol custody under Biden than Trump peak in 2019.”
“The Biden Admin. is unprepared for the crises they have caused,” Abbott continued, adding that state police and National Guard forces have been dispatched to assist in the situation.
2019 was the last year border authorities recorded a surge in migrant children and family crossings. And authorities believe that the number of encounters this year will surpass levels seen then.
But is it true that the number of unaccompanied minors in federal custody today is already twice the highest number recorded in 2019 under former President Donald Trump?
PolitiFact Texas rated this claim true.
Read the full story for more on why. Plus, hear an interview with PolitiFact Texas’ Brandon Mulder in the audio player above.
