The latest numbers show migrant encounters at the US-Mexico border have dropped. Illegal crossings usually increase in the spring, but officials say this April they fell by more than 6% compared with March.

Illegal crossing into US from Mexico falls over 6% in April

Ahead of America's November Presidential Elections, President Joe Biden and his predecessor Donald Trump - are both travelling to the Mexico-US border. In the high-stakes race to the white house, their visit will be an attempt to address the key issue of illegal immigration.

US: Biden & Trump visit two border towns on the same day

The Biden administration says migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border have unexpectedly fallen, after the end of Title 42. Watch this report to know more.

US reports dip in illegal migrants crossing since expiry of Title 42 curbs

After 3 years, US has lifted Covid-19 restrictions, known as Title 42. The curbs allowed border agents to quickly expel many migrants caught crossing the border back to Mexico. Immigration processing has reverted to a pre-existing system, known as Title 8, but with new, much more stringent rules. Now, anyone who illegally enters US can be expelled, facing a lengthy ban on coming back; and possible criminal charges. At the frontier, some made last-minute attempts to beat the deadline, fording the Rio Grande river, hoping they might be released after turning themselves into border patrol.

US immigration rule expires at Southern border; Migrants stare at uncertain future | Details

The inspector-general of the US Federal Health and Human Services department, released a report on Thursday. It said the department often failed to perform required background checks on workers at emergency holding centers for migrant children who crossed the US-Mexico border in 2021. The I-G's report says, 200 workers did not have background checks for child abuse or neglect. Officials also found that 174 workers did not have FBI background checks. Further, checks against the justice department's sex offender registry were not performed on 42 workers. The report comes ahead of the expiration of title 42 on may 11.

Report: No background checks on 200 workers

The Biden administration in the United States is considering pulling off a Donald Trump move on illegal immigration. The Biden administration is considering sending 1,500 troops to the southern borders in the immediate future, Fox News reported citing sources. The move is in consideration amid concerns that tens of thousands of migrants may travel within the US borders once Title 42 is lifted.&nbsp;

Title 42 refers to the Covid-related restrictions under which the US authorities send away hundreds of thousands of migrants, including families, back to Mexico citing the contagious nature of COVID-19.

Earlier, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had warned the migrants that illegal entry into the United States "will result in removal."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/americas-immigration-system-is-broken-beyond-repair-554287">America’s immigration system is broken beyond repair</a>

The US has rolled out the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One smartphone application. By using the CBP One app, migrants can schedule appointments at the designated points of entry where the asylum claims can be processed.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Massive hike in U.S. Visa fees expected

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People who are not deported are placed into immigration removal proceedings and released into the US pending their hearings. These hearings can take years. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data shows deportations have plummeted under President Biden, Fox News reported.

<h2>But not all migrants are sent away</h2>

According to the US Customs and Border Protection, only about 46 per cent of migrant encounters at the border resulted in a Title 42 expulsion. Last month, the Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the Senate in Washington D.C. that of nearly 1.3 million migrant entries in the Finance Year 2022, only about 360,000 were deported.&nbsp;

It was not revealed how many of the aforementioned 1.3 million migrant entries were illegal.

The United States, under former President Donald Trump's administration, in November 2018, had sent more than 5,000 active-duty troops at the southern borders. It was deemed a show of force against the caravans of Central American migrants that Trump had characterised as an "invasion" of the United States.

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The Biden administration in the United States is considering pulling off a Donald Trump move on illegal immigration. The Biden administration is considering sending 1,500 troops to the southern borders in the immediate future, Fox News reported citing sources.

The Biden administration in the United States is considering pulling off a Donald Trump move on illegal immigration. The Biden administration is considering sending 1,500 troops to the southern borders in the immediate future, Fox News reported citing sources. The move is in consideration amid concerns that tens of thousands of migrants may travel within the US borders once Title 42 is lifted. Title 42 refers to the Covid-related restrictions under which the US authorities send away hundreds of thousands of migrants, including families, back to Mexico citing the contagious nature of COVID-19. Earlier, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had warned the migrants that illegal entry into the United States "will result in removal." ALSO READ | America’s immigration system is broken beyond repair The US has rolled out the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) One smartphone application. By using the CBP One app, migrants can schedule appointments at the designated points of entry where the asylum claims can be processed. ALSO WATCH | WION Fineprint | Massive hike in U.S. Visa fees expected × People who are not deported are placed into immigration removal proceedings and released into the US pending their hearings. These hearings can take years. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data shows deportations have plummeted under President Biden, Fox News reported. But not all migrants are sent away According to the US Customs and Border Protection, only about 46 per cent of migrant encounters at the border resulted in a Title 42 expulsion. Last month, the Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the Senate in Washington D.C. that of nearly 1.3 million migrant entries in the Finance Year 2022, only about 360,000 were deported. It was not revealed how many of the aforementioned 1.3 million migrant entries were illegal. The United States, under former President Donald Trump's administration, in November 2018, had sent more than 5,000 active-duty troops at the southern borders. It was deemed a show of force against the caravans of Central American migrants that Trump had characterised as an "invasion" of the United States. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Joe Biden to pull off a Donald Trump? US may soon send armed troops to Mexico border

Hundreds of migrants attempt to force their way into USA at the Mexico border crossing

Four American citizens were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Mexico. Mexican officials confirm that four American citizens crossed the border to reach Mexico last week to buy medicine. The four men were travelling in a white minivan through the Mexican city of Matamoros when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them. Video revealed them being put in a pickup truck by heavily armed men. &nbsp;

According to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the four American men had a confrontation with the other group of men after which they were detained.&nbsp;

The US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar told a different story in his statement. He said that the four American men were kidnapped at gunpoint and an ‘innocent’ Mexican citizen died in the attack. He said various US justice agencies were working with their Mexican counterparts to recover the missing persons. The authorities concerned from both sides have not provided any further details about the victims or the event.&nbsp;

According to a report by CNN, the four Americans who got kidnapped on Friday were a tight-knit group of friends from South Carolina. They were travelling to Mexico to help the mother of one of them so that she could undergo a medical procedure across the border.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened after four American citizens crossed the border over to Mexico?</h2>

The four American men came under gunfire from the men shortly after crossing the border on Friday through the city of Matamoros, in the Tamaulipas state, across from Brownsville, Texas. The victims crossed into Mexico in a white minivan with a North Carolina license plate, the FBI said. Shortly after, the gunmen fired upon the passengers in the vehicle. Afterwards, the four Americans were placed in another vehicle and taken away from the scene by the men.&nbsp;

Tamaulipas’ chief prosecutor, Irving Barrios, said a Mexican woman died in the attack. It is not clear whether she was killed in the same gunfight where the kidnapping took place.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden had been informed of the situation, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She declined to answer other questions, citing privacy concerns.

<h2>Who are the four American kidnapped in Mexico?</h2>

The names of all four victims are not revealed by the authorities to maintain secrecy. But Zalandria Brown of Florence, South Carolina, said she has been in contact with the FBI and local officials after learning that her younger brother, Zindell Brown, is one of the four victims.&nbsp;

<h2>Matamoros, Mexico</h2>

Matamoros is a city located across the US border from Brownsville, Texas. The city has been notorious for its growing violence which is majorly related to drug trafficking and other organised crimes. Tamnaulipas' highways are considered among the most dangerous in Mexico due to the threat of kidnapping and extortion by criminal gangs.&nbsp;

The US consulate in Matamoros had issued an alert on Friday warning of police activity in connection with a shooting in the city. The US State Department advises against travel to Tamaulipas due to crime and kidnapping.&nbsp;

"Organized crime activity,&nbsp;including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria," the state capital, according to a US travel advisory.&nbsp;

<h2>What did Zindell Brown’s sister said&nbsp;about her brother’s kidnapping?</h2>

Brown said her brother, who lives in South Carolina, and her three friends were extremely close to each other. They had planned to split up driving duties for the trip. They were aware of the dangers in Mexico.&nbsp;

"Zindell kept saying, ‘We shouldn’t go down,'" Brown said. “This is like a bad dream you wish you could wake up from. To see a member of your family thrown in the back of a truck and dragged is just unbelievable.”

<h2>Mexico- a popular destination for cheaper medical treatments</h2>

Mexico has become a popular destination for ‘medical tourism’ that attracts a lot of travellers who want cheaper alternatives or medical treatments that are unapproved in the US. The CDC had already warned of this growing trend as it might carry dangerous risks depending on the destination and facility, including infection and possible post-procedure complications.&nbsp;

<h2>Search and investigation for missing Americans underway</h2>

Investigators trying to locate the US citizens and identify those involved in the alleged kidnapping have been working to gather surveillance footage, collect ballistics and fingerprint evidence, take biological samples for genetic profiles and process the vehicles involved, Tamaulipas officials said.

A joint task force of federal and state agencies has been created for processing all the information and maintaining constant communication with the US officials, Barrios Mojica, the Tamaulipas Attorney General, said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Four American citizens were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Mexico. Mexican officials confirm that four American citizens crossed the border to reach Mexico last week to buy medicine.

Four American citizens were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Mexico. Mexican officials confirm that four American citizens crossed the border to reach Mexico last week to buy medicine. The four men were travelling in a white minivan through the Mexican city of Matamoros when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them. Video revealed them being put in a pickup truck by heavily armed men. According to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the four American men had a confrontation with the other group of men after which they were detained. The US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar told a different story in his statement. He said that the four American men were kidnapped at gunpoint and an ‘innocent’ Mexican citizen died in the attack. He said various US justice agencies were working with their Mexican counterparts to recover the missing persons. The authorities concerned from both sides have not provided any further details about the victims or the event. According to a report by CNN, the four Americans who got kidnapped on Friday were a tight-knit group of friends from South Carolina. They were travelling to Mexico to help the mother of one of them so that she could undergo a medical procedure across the border. What happened after four American citizens crossed the border over to Mexico? The four American men came under gunfire from the men shortly after crossing the border on Friday through the city of Matamoros, in the Tamaulipas state, across from Brownsville, Texas. The victims crossed into Mexico in a white minivan with a North Carolina license plate, the FBI said. Shortly after, the gunmen fired upon the passengers in the vehicle. Afterwards, the four Americans were placed in another vehicle and taken away from the scene by the men. Tamaulipas’ chief prosecutor, Irving Barrios, said a Mexican woman died in the attack. It is not clear whether she was killed in the same gunfight where the kidnapping took place. President Joe Biden had been informed of the situation, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She declined to answer other questions, citing privacy concerns. Who are the four American kidnapped in Mexico? The names of all four victims are not revealed by the authorities to maintain secrecy. But Zalandria Brown of Florence, South Carolina, said she has been in contact with the FBI and local officials after learning that her younger brother, Zindell Brown, is one of the four victims. Matamoros, Mexico Matamoros is a city located across the US border from Brownsville, Texas. The city has been notorious for its growing violence which is majorly related to drug trafficking and other organised crimes. Tamnaulipas' highways are considered among the most dangerous in Mexico due to the threat of kidnapping and extortion by criminal gangs. The US consulate in Matamoros had issued an alert on Friday warning of police activity in connection with a shooting in the city. The US State Department advises against travel to Tamaulipas due to crime and kidnapping. "Organized crime activity, including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria," the state capital, according to a US travel advisory. What did Zindell Brown’s sister said about her brother’s kidnapping? Brown said her brother, who lives in South Carolina, and her three friends were extremely close to each other. They had planned to split up driving duties for the trip. They were aware of the dangers in Mexico. "Zindell kept saying, ‘We shouldn’t go down,'" Brown said. “This is like a bad dream you wish you could wake up from. To see a member of your family thrown in the back of a truck and dragged is just unbelievable.” Mexico- a popular destination for cheaper medical treatments Mexico has become a popular destination for ‘medical tourism’ that attracts a lot of travellers who want cheaper alternatives or medical treatments that are unapproved in the US. The CDC had already warned of this growing trend as it might carry dangerous risks depending on the destination and facility, including infection and possible post-procedure complications. Search and investigation for missing Americans underway Investigators trying to locate the US citizens and identify those involved in the alleged kidnapping have been working to gather surveillance footage, collect ballistics and fingerprint evidence, take biological samples for genetic profiles and process the vehicles involved, Tamaulipas officials said. A joint task force of federal and state agencies has been created for processing all the information and maintaining constant communication with the US officials, Barrios Mojica, the Tamaulipas Attorney General, said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Four Americans kidnapped in Mexican city of Matamoros- What we know so far

In an unprecedented visit by a New York City mayor to the Mexico border, Eric Adams said his city doesn’t have enough "room" to host more migrants. This announcement comes as a blow to hundreds of migrants seeking to take refuge in the city.

Mayor Eric Adams says 'no room in for migrants' in New York City

President Joe Biden walked a muddy stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border and inspected a busy port of entry Sunday on his first trip to the region after two years in office.

President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town

Biden makes first trip to US-Mexico border since taking office

Arizona has removed a line of shipping containers placed along the U.S.-Mexico border a week after the U.S. government filed a lawsuit alleging that the makeshift wall designed to deter migrants was illegally erected on federal lands.

Arizona removes makeshift border wall after federal lawsuit

Authorities in the US state of Arizona have agreed to remove a wall made of shipping containers at the Mexican border. Watch this video to know more.

Arizona agrees to dismantle shipping container wall on Mexican border

The US state of Arizona has agreed to dismantle the hideous-looking and rusting shipping container wall along the border with Mexico. The decision comes after the US government filed a lawsuit and argued that the makeshift wall was illegally built on federal land.

The US state of Arizona has agreed to dismantle the hideous-looking and rusting shipping container wall along the border with Mexico. The decision comes after the US government filed a lawsuit and argued that the makeshift wall was illegally built on federal land. According to court documents, outgoing Republican Governor Dough Ducey, responsible for erecting the containers, stretching almost seven miles along the border and costing the taxpayers $90 million agreed with the decision on Wednesday. “By 4 January 2023, to the extent feasible and so as not to cause damage to United States’ lands, properties and natural resources, Arizona will remove all previously installed shipping containers and associated equipment, materials, vehicles,” read the agreement. According to Ducey, the containers were placed to stem the flow of migrants crossing into the country. Earlier this year, he said the containers were a temporary fix and that his government was going ahead with its plans to close the gaps in the border. “Our border communities are being used as the entryway to the United States, overwhelming law enforcement, hospitals, nonprofits and residents. It’s our responsibility to protect our citizens and law enforcement from this unprecedented crisis,” added Ducey. WATCH | US-Mexico border faces its worst migrant crisis × However, with Democrat governor-elect Katie Hobbs set to take charge in January, the Biden administration has started making moves. The lawsuit was filed by the justice department on behalf of the Bureau of Reclamation, the department of agriculture and the Forest Services last week. Therein, the federal government requested the removal of containers in the San Rafael valley. “Officials from Reclamation and the Forest Service have notified Arizona that it is trespassing on federal lands. This action also seeks damages for Arizona’s trespasses, to compensate the United States for any actions it needs to take to undo Arizona’s actions and to remediate - to the extent possible - any injuries to the United States’ properties and interests," read the complaint. The influx of aliens to the US, especially from the neighbouring country of Mexico is something which both the Democrats and Republicans have failed to find a concrete solution for. While Republicans under former president Donald Trump were more concerned with building physical borders often echoing the pledge 'Build That Wall', the Biden administration is relatively lenient on migrants, allowing them to seep through the porous borders. Consequently, for the major part of this year, states such as Arizona and Texas sent undocumented migrants to Washington DC and Vice President Kamala Harris's residence via buses to send a message to the White House. Read more: US: Republican-led states sends another group of migrants to VP Kamala Harris's residence & Massachusetts (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Arizona to dismantle rusting $90 million container wall on Mexico border

Love transcends boundaries. This adage holds true for this couple who left their home countries—Russia and Ukraine—to tie the knot in Tijuana, the border city connecting Mexico with California and to seek asylum in the United States.

Semen Bobrovski—a Russian citizen—met Daria “Dasha” Sakhniuk three years ago after crossing the border to Ukraine.

It was a love at first sight for them. They wanted to get married in Kyiv in April, but the prospect of war scuttled their plans.

Before the Russian invasion began, the couple decided to leave Ukraine. Like other refugees, they also thought of resettling in the United States.

The couple travelled thousands of kilometres, lasting six days, to reach the US-Mexico border where a refugee camp at the San Ysidro checkpoint is set up.

However, America’s harsh immigration policies for Russians, in the wake of the war, caused problems for Bobrovski.

According to Reuters, the US authorities only allowed Daria to enter as a refugee, as the Russian community has not been allowed to enter the country since the war began.

"The problem that the couple faced when arriving at the San Ysidro checkpoint is that it only allows access to the United States through refugee status to Ukrainian or Russian citizens who can legally prove their relationship. For the Russian community, right now, there is no legal way to enter the United States, derived from this war conflict," the Tijuana city council said in a press release, according to NBC Sandiego

Due to the restriction, the couple went to the municipal directorate of migrant services in Tijuana on Wednesday to get their marriage registered.

“I'm very happy that I met some very nice people who could help us come together in this matrimony here in Mexico, in Tijuana," Sakhniuk was quoted as saying.

Her husband also appreciated the Mexican authorities for their help.

"We are very happy because all these people helped us make this happen, we are full of joy and gratitude to the Mexican people for what they have done for us. This was very exciting," said Bobrovski. &nbsp;

According to local media reports, the couple will cross into San Diego and subsequently settle in New York to begin their new life as a husband and wife.

(With inputs from agencies)

Love transcends boundaries. This adage holds true for this couple who left their home countries—Russia and Ukraine—to tie the knot in Tijuana, the border city connecting Mexico with California and to seek asylum in the United States.

Love transcends boundaries. This adage holds true for this couple who left their home countries—Russia and Ukraine—to tie the knot in Tijuana, the border city connecting Mexico with California and to seek asylum in the United States. Semen Bobrovski—a Russian citizen—met Daria “Dasha” Sakhniuk three years ago after crossing the border to Ukraine. It was a love at first sight for them. They wanted to get married in Kyiv in April, but the prospect of war scuttled their plans. Before the Russian invasion began, the couple decided to leave Ukraine. Like other refugees, they also thought of resettling in the United States. The couple travelled thousands of kilometres, lasting six days, to reach the US-Mexico border where a refugee camp at the San Ysidro checkpoint is set up. However, America’s harsh immigration policies for Russians, in the wake of the war, caused problems for Bobrovski. According to Reuters, the US authorities only allowed Daria to enter as a refugee, as the Russian community has not been allowed to enter the country since the war began. "The problem that the couple faced when arriving at the San Ysidro checkpoint is that it only allows access to the United States through refugee status to Ukrainian or Russian citizens who can legally prove their relationship. For the Russian community, right now, there is no legal way to enter the United States, derived from this war conflict," the Tijuana city council said in a press release, according to NBC Sandiego Due to the restriction, the couple went to the municipal directorate of migrant services in Tijuana on Wednesday to get their marriage registered. “I'm very happy that I met some very nice people who could help us come together in this matrimony here in Mexico, in Tijuana," Sakhniuk was quoted as saying. Her husband also appreciated the Mexican authorities for their help. "We are very happy because all these people helped us make this happen, we are full of joy and gratitude to the Mexican people for what they have done for us. This was very exciting," said Bobrovski. According to local media reports, the couple will cross into San Diego and subsequently settle in New York to begin their new life as a husband and wife. (With inputs from agencies)

Fleeing war, Russian and Ukrainian travel thousands of kilometres to get married at Mexico border

Soon, the southwest border of the United States could be guarded by four-legged headless robotic dogs, sniffing out smugglers and catching undocumented immigrants.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week undertook trials of the 45kg (100-pound), canine machine prototypes in Virginia and Texas borders to test in a variety of surveillance-focused roles.

According to their press release, the DHS said the trials were “successful” and that the work with the machines will continue. However, they didn’t share any timeframe of their deployment.

They said that the Automated Ground Surveillance Vehicles, or the robot dogs, were specifically engineered by the research and development arm of the DHS, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&amp;T), in cooperation with advanced robotics firm Ghost Robotics for the US Customs and Border Protection&nbsp;(CBP).

“The southern border can be an inhospitable place for man and beast, and that is exactly why a machine may excel there,” S&amp;T program manager, Brenda Long said in the release.

<img alt="State-of-the-art tech" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b29a861b-7467-4481-a551-1b76ca3e8faf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Robots%201.jpg" />

“This S&amp;T-led initiative focuses on Automated Ground Surveillance Vehicles, or what we call ‘AGSVs.’ Essentially, the AGSV program is all about…robot dogs.”

The headless hound, built by Ghost Robotic, stands 2.5 feet high (76cm), weighs 70lbs (32kg), and can travel over 7.5 miles (12-km) in 3 hours on a single battery charge.

Gavin Kenneally, the chief product officer at Ghost Robotics, said their robot dog’s legs are so advanced and sensitive that, “It has the ability to feel through its motors and can estimate friction forces and automatically correct for uneven or slippery ground.”

<img alt="To bolster border patrol" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8dda8566-1663-40d1-a3de-40249d0c1997" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Robots%203.jpg" />

“It is a rugged, quadruped robot. It traverses all types of natural terrain including sand, rocks, and hills, as well as human-built environments, like stairs. That’s why you want legs, and not tracks,” he said.

This self-correcting ability makes it an ideal platform for off-road operations across multiple environments.

The machine can navigate autonomously or be controlled manually, and can be equipped with a number of payloads, including thermal and night vision cameras.

Soon, the southwest border of the United States could be guarded by four-legged headless robotic dogs, sniffing out smugglers and catching undocumented immigrants.

Soon, the southwest border of the United States could be guarded by four-legged headless robotic dogs, sniffing out smugglers and catching undocumented immigrants. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week undertook trials of the 45kg (100-pound), canine machine prototypes in Virginia and Texas borders to test in a variety of surveillance-focused roles. According to their press release, the DHS said the trials were “successful” and that the work with the machines will continue. However, they didn’t share any timeframe of their deployment. They said that the Automated Ground Surveillance Vehicles, or the robot dogs, were specifically engineered by the research and development arm of the DHS, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), in cooperation with advanced robotics firm Ghost Robotics for the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). “The southern border can be an inhospitable place for man and beast, and that is exactly why a machine may excel there,” S&T program manager, Brenda Long said in the release. “This S&T-led initiative focuses on Automated Ground Surveillance Vehicles, or what we call ‘AGSVs.’ Essentially, the AGSV program is all about…robot dogs.” The headless hound, built by Ghost Robotic, stands 2.5 feet high (76cm), weighs 70lbs (32kg), and can travel over 7.5 miles (12-km) in 3 hours on a single battery charge. Gavin Kenneally, the chief product officer at Ghost Robotics, said their robot dog’s legs are so advanced and sensitive that, “It has the ability to feel through its motors and can estimate friction forces and automatically correct for uneven or slippery ground.” “It is a rugged, quadruped robot. It traverses all types of natural terrain including sand, rocks, and hills, as well as human-built environments, like stairs. That’s why you want legs, and not tracks,” he said. This self-correcting ability makes it an ideal platform for off-road operations across multiple environments. The machine can navigate autonomously or be controlled manually, and can be equipped with a number of payloads, including thermal and night vision cameras.

US may soon deploy hi-tech robot patrol dogs to guard borders

The Biden administration said on Monday that four families that were separated at the Mexico border during Donald Trump's presidency will be reunited in the United States this week in what Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calls ''just the beginning''&nbsp;of a broader effort.

The families will be allowed to enter the United States through an emergency process known as "humanitarian parole," Michelle Brane, who heads a Biden-created task force that aims to reunite separated families, told a call with reporters on Sunday.

"In these cases that we're talking about this week, the children are in the United States and the parents are coming to join them," Brane said.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/border-agents-traffickers-and-migrants-mix-on-busy-rio-grande-in-us-374818">Border agents, traffickers and migrants mix on busy Rio Grande in US</a>

The US&nbsp;Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering whether they could be granted longer-term immigration status, she said.

Parents will return to the United States on humanitarian parole while authorities consider other longer-term forms of legal status, said Michelle Brane, executive director of the administration's Family Reunification Task Force. The children are already in the United States only.

Exactly how many families will reunite in the United States and in what order is linked to negotiations with the American Civil Liberties Union to settle a federal lawsuit in San Diego, but Mayorkas said there were more to come.

''We continue to work tirelessly to reunite many more children with their parents in the weeks and months ahead,''&nbsp;Mayorkas told reporters ahead of the announcement.

"We have a lot of work still to do, but I am proud of the progress we have made and the reunifications that we have helped to achieve this week.''

More than 5,000 children were separated from their parents during the Trump administration going back to July 1, 2017, many of them under a ''zero-tolerance''&nbsp;policy to criminally prosecute any adult who entered the country illegally, according to court filings.

The reunifications begin as the Biden administration confronts the third major increase in unaccompanied children arriving at the border in seven years.

The Biden administration is doing its own count going back to Trump's inauguration in January 2017 and, according to Brane, believes more than 1,000 families remain separated.

The Biden administration has been grappling in recent months with a sharp rise in migrant crossings at the border, including unaccompanied minors and families with young children, mostly from Central America.

The Trump administration, known for its hardline stance on immigration, adopted a blanket "zero-tolerance" policy of prosecuting all unauthorized border crossers in spring 2018, resulting in the mass separation of parents from their children.

Trump reversed the policy that summer amid an international outcry, but advocates and government watchdogs found separations began before the policy and continued after it. In some cases, parents were deported and children remained in the United States with other relatives or sponsors.

Biden has called family separations under Trump a "human tragedy."

DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who also participated in the call with reporters, declined to provide details about the families, citing privacy concerns, but noted that one is Honduran and another Mexican.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration said on Monday that four families that were separated at the Mexico border during Donald Trump's presidency will be reunited in the United States this week in what Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calls ''just the beginning'' of a broader effort.

The Biden administration said on Monday that four families that were separated at the Mexico border during Donald Trump's presidency will be reunited in the United States this week in what Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calls ''just the beginning'' of a broader effort. The families will be allowed to enter the United States through an emergency process known as "humanitarian parole," Michelle Brane, who heads a Biden-created task force that aims to reunite separated families, told a call with reporters on Sunday. "In these cases that we're talking about this week, the children are in the United States and the parents are coming to join them," Brane said. Also see| Border agents, traffickers and migrants mix on busy Rio Grande in US The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering whether they could be granted longer-term immigration status, she said. Parents will return to the United States on humanitarian parole while authorities consider other longer-term forms of legal status, said Michelle Brane, executive director of the administration's Family Reunification Task Force. The children are already in the United States only. Exactly how many families will reunite in the United States and in what order is linked to negotiations with the American Civil Liberties Union to settle a federal lawsuit in San Diego, but Mayorkas said there were more to come. ''We continue to work tirelessly to reunite many more children with their parents in the weeks and months ahead,'' Mayorkas told reporters ahead of the announcement. "We have a lot of work still to do, but I am proud of the progress we have made and the reunifications that we have helped to achieve this week.'' More than 5,000 children were separated from their parents during the Trump administration going back to July 1, 2017, many of them under a ''zero-tolerance'' policy to criminally prosecute any adult who entered the country illegally, according to court filings. The reunifications begin as the Biden administration confronts the third major increase in unaccompanied children arriving at the border in seven years. The Biden administration is doing its own count going back to Trump's inauguration in January 2017 and, according to Brane, believes more than 1,000 families remain separated. The Biden administration has been grappling in recent months with a sharp rise in migrant crossings at the border, including unaccompanied minors and families with young children, mostly from Central America. The Trump administration, known for its hardline stance on immigration, adopted a blanket "zero-tolerance" policy of prosecuting all unauthorized border crossers in spring 2018, resulting in the mass separation of parents from their children. Trump reversed the policy that summer amid an international outcry, but advocates and government watchdogs found separations began before the policy and continued after it. In some cases, parents were deported and children remained in the United States with other relatives or sponsors. Biden has called family separations under Trump a "human tragedy." DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who also participated in the call with reporters, declined to provide details about the families, citing privacy concerns, but noted that one is Honduran and another Mexican. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden begins  reunifying migrant families separated by Trump-era border policy

The migrant crisis in United States is intensifying with Biden administration is struggling to come up with a practical alternative humanitarian challenge.

US Migrant Crisis: United States witnesses constant influx of migrants

According to a top US border official, more than a million migrants are set to arrive at the US-Mexico border this year. The constant influx of migrants on the Southwest border is posing a growing humanitarian challenge for US President Joe Biden.

US witnesses constant influx of migrants at Mexico border

Asylum-seekers that had become a symbol of Trump-era immigration restrictions entered the United States from Mexico on Friday (February 26) under a new policy meant to end the hardships endured by migrants in dangerous border towns.

Asylum-seekers cross into the US amid change in immigration policy

The number of migrants reaching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-900-children-separated-at-us-border-since-policy-halted-aclu-239605">Mexico`s border with the United States</a> has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration.

Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that according to a preliminary estimate, 87,648 people would reach the US border during July. That would represent a fall of around 39.5 per cent compared to the 144,278 migrants registered in May, he added.

"This is a considerable reduction," the minister told reporters at a regular government news conference.

A jump in migrant apprehensions on the US southwest border during the first few months of 2019 prompted Trump on May 30 to threaten tariffs on all Mexican exports to the United States if Mexico did not contain the flow of people.

Mexico responded by sending out thousands of National Guardsmen to tighten up its southern and northern borders, and this month the government said it had averted the risk of having to adopt new migration rules that could allow Trump to expel thousands of asylum-seekers into Mexico.

Ebrard credited the migrant slowdown to rising job creation in Central America, spurred in part by the Mexican government`s efforts to foster development programs and growth there.&nbsp;

Most of the migrants caught trying to enter the United States illegally are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, three countries ravaged by violence, inequality and poverty.

Mexico`s government said on Saturday that it will help Honduras create 20,000 jobs by December, building on earlier commitments to El Salvador.

The number of migrants reaching Mexico`s border with the United States has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration.

The number of migrants reaching Mexico`s border with the United States has fallen almost 40 per cent since May, the Mexican government said on Tuesday, seeking to defuse tensions with US President Donald Trump over a recent surge in migration. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said that according to a preliminary estimate, 87,648 people would reach the US border during July. That would represent a fall of around 39.5 per cent compared to the 144,278 migrants registered in May, he added. "This is a considerable reduction," the minister told reporters at a regular government news conference. A jump in migrant apprehensions on the US southwest border during the first few months of 2019 prompted Trump on May 30 to threaten tariffs on all Mexican exports to the United States if Mexico did not contain the flow of people. Mexico responded by sending out thousands of National Guardsmen to tighten up its southern and northern borders, and this month the government said it had averted the risk of having to adopt new migration rules that could allow Trump to expel thousands of asylum-seekers into Mexico. Ebrard credited the migrant slowdown to rising job creation in Central America, spurred in part by the Mexican government`s efforts to foster development programs and growth there. Most of the migrants caught trying to enter the United States illegally are from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, three countries ravaged by violence, inequality and poverty. Mexico`s government said on Saturday that it will help Honduras create 20,000 jobs by December, building on earlier commitments to El Salvador.

Mexico says migrant numbers at US border down 40% since May

Central American migrants in the border city of Ciudad Juarez on Monday were finding it more difficult to both enter the United States and to stay in Mexico as both countries have hardened immigration policy over recent months.

'They throw us in the streets' - migrants face hardened policies on both sides of US-Mexico border

Before dawn on Wednesday, National Guard members appeared on the banks of the Suchiate River in Ciudad Hidalgo, Chiapas, where they supported immigration agents checking documents of foreigners attempting to cross the border from Guatemala on rafts.

Migrant crackdown continues in Mexico

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-airs-video-purporting-to-be-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-214624">Watch: Islamic State airs video purporting to be leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a>

In the 18-minute video from the Al Furqan network, a bearded man with Baghdadi's appearance says the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka were IS's response to losses in its last territorial stronghold of Baghouz in Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrested-man-followed-sri-lankan-suicide-bomber-videos-wanted-to-carry-out-attack-in-kerala-nia-214637">Arrested man followed Lankan bomber's videos, wanted to attack Kerala: NIA</a>

The accused, identified as Riyas A, alias Riyas Aboobacker, 29, was arrested on Monday by the National Investigation Agency.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-has-intensified-into-severe-cyclonic-storm-imd-214625">Cyclone Fani has intensified into 'severe cyclonic storm': IMD</a>

The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the storm currently lays about 620 km east-northeast of the Trincomalee in Sri Lanka.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-deploying-320-additional-troops-along-mexico-border-us-defence-department-214622">Will be deploying 320 additional troops along Mexico border: US defence department</a>

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis said the troops would assist with transporting migrants, monitoring the welfare of migrants in custody and providing heating and meals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2019-brilliant-david-warner-hands-hyderabad-45-run-win-over-punjab-214615">IPL 2019: Brilliant David Warner hands Hyderabad 45-run win over Punjab</a>

Playing his last match of the season before heading home for World Cup preparations, Warner struck a belligerent 81 off 56 balls with seven fours and two sixes to complete his IPL 2019 campaign.

Watch: Islamic State airs video purporting to be leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi In the 18-minute video from the Al Furqan network, a bearded man with Baghdadi's appearance says the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka were IS's response to losses in its last territorial stronghold of Baghouz in Syria.

Watch: Islamic State airs video purporting to be leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi In the 18-minute video from the Al Furqan network, a bearded man with Baghdadi's appearance says the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka were IS's response to losses in its last territorial stronghold of Baghouz in Syria. Arrested man followed Lankan bomber's videos, wanted to attack Kerala: NIA The accused, identified as Riyas A, alias Riyas Aboobacker, 29, was arrested on Monday by the National Investigation Agency. Cyclone Fani has intensified into 'severe cyclonic storm': IMD The Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said the storm currently lays about 620 km east-northeast of the Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. Will be deploying 320 additional troops along Mexico border: US defence department Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Davis said the troops would assist with transporting migrants, monitoring the welfare of migrants in custody and providing heating and meals. IPL 2019: Brilliant David Warner hands Hyderabad 45-run win over Punjab Playing his last match of the season before heading home for World Cup preparations, Warner struck a belligerent 81 off 56 balls with seven fours and two sixes to complete his IPL 2019 campaign.

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