The crisis at the US-Mexico border has reached unprecedented levels, with the number of migrant encounters in December shattering all previous records. According to preliminary data obtained by Fox News, over 276,000 asylum seekers hoping to cross the border were encountered by US Customs and Border Protection agents. This figure is expected to rise even further once the final three days of the month are counted.

The December total represents a staggering 262% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. It also surpasses the previous monthly record set in September, when 269,735 migrants were encountered, according to CBP statistics.

In addition to the December numbers, there have been more than 3.2 million migrant encounters nationwide in fiscal year 2023, out of which 2.4 million were recorded at the southern border. These figures are almost equivalent to the number of births registered in the United States in 2022.

The influx of migrants at overwhelmed border locations has caused significant challenges for officials. Agents are preparing for the arrival of a massive caravan of up to 15,000 migrants in the coming weeks, further straining resources and capacity.

Theresa Cardinal Brown, a former US immigration official, described the current situation as "an unsustainable number of arrivals." Efforts to manage the surge of asylum seekers have become increasingly overwhelming, with officials grappling to provide for the safety and well-being of both migrants and local communities.

The figures obtained do not include migrants who are showing up at official ports of entry to apply for asylum through a new app introduced by the Biden administration. Approximately 50,000 migrants are being funneled through this system each month.

While the short-term challenges are being addressed at the border and nearby US towns, the distribution of migrants across the nation remains an ongoing issue.

Customs and Border Protection spokesperson emphasized the need for vigilance and reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of personnel, migrants, and local communities, as well as securing the southwest border.

As the crisis continues to unfold, authorities are working to address the shared challenges with Mexico, including managing irregular migration, reopening key ports of entry, and combating the influx of illicit drugs.

The record-breaking numbers of migrant encounters highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions and collaborative efforts between countries to address the ongoing crisis at the US-Mexico border.