Migrants are encountered by Border Patrol in the San Diego sector Feb. 17. (Fox News)
Numbers had dropped from a record 302,000 in December to a relatively low 176,204 in January but had not continued to decline in February.
In a statement, acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller said the agency is working with domestic and foreign partners to enhance enforcement and is "aggressively targeting unscrupulous human smugglers and swiftly applying consequences against those who cross the border illegally and have no legal basis to remain in the United States."
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He pointed to increases in drugs seized by agents, including 294% more meth than in January. DHS also said it has now removed or returned nearly 600,000 individuals since May.
This is a breaking story; check back for updates.
Adam Shaw is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covering immigration and border security.
He can be reached at adam.shaw2@fox.com or on Twitter.
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/migrant-encounters-southern-border-hit-new-february-record-high