Mexican President Says Biden to Blame for Border Surge

Asylum seekers listen to instructions at an outdoor U.S. Border Patrol processing center under the Anzalduas International Bridge after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico near Mission, Texas, on March 23, 2021. John Moore/Getty Images

As the number of illegal immigrants arriving at the southern border continues to surge, Mexico’s president cast blame this week on President Joe Biden’s policies, saying he created certain “expectations” that are ultimately spurring illegal immigrants into making the trip.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said at a March 23 press conference that Biden has caused the surge at the U.S.–Mexico border. Border Patrol apprehended 100,441 illegal border-crossers along the southern border in February, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The number reflects a 28 percent increase over the previous month.