In a significant development, the number of migrant encounters at the southern border in December has shattered previous records, according to sources from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This surge comes at a time when U.S. and Mexico officials convened to discuss the regularization of undocumented immigrants already in the country.

Sources informed Fox News that the month of December has witnessed over 276,000 migrant encounters so far, making it the highest month on record in terms of border encounters. The previous record was set in September, with 269,735 encounters reported. This number encompasses both illegal immigrants encountered between ports of entry and those entering at ports of entry via the CBP One app.

Since the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, more than 760,000 migrant encounters have been documented at the southern border, marking it as the highest quarter on record for the first quarter of FY 24. Additionally, there have been approximately 82,000 known getaways since October 1. Within the last 24 hours alone, there have been over 9,400 encounters, with more than 8,000 resulting in a release with a Notice to Appear.

This announcement underscores a year of relentless records being broken at the southern border, with Border Patrol officials consistently grappling with overwhelming numbers. Republicans have attributed this surge to the policies implemented by the Biden administration, particularly the reversal of Trump-era policies. Conversely, the administration contends that it is facing a hemisphere-wide challenge, necessitating additional funding and immigration reform legislation from Congress.

To address the situation, the administration has taken measures such as expanding "lawful" migration pathways, intensifying efforts against smugglers, and increasing the consequences for illegal entry. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official revealed that between May and the end of November this year, around 400,000 removals occurred, nearly matching the total number of removals for all of FY19.

However, officials have also disclosed to lawmakers that approximately 5,000 illegal immigrants are being released into the U.S. every day, excluding those being paroled through ports of entry. This ongoing concern has caused the $14 billion emergency supplemental funding request for border security from the White House to face obstacles, as Republicans demand further restrictions on asylum and the government's use of parole to curb releases within the country.

This week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas joined a U.S. delegation during a visit to Mexico City where they met with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. In a joint statement, both countries emphasized their commitment to "orderly, humane, and regular migration" while acknowledging the need to address the root causes of migration, disrupt human smuggling, and promote investment and development in the region.

Significantly, the joint statement also acknowledged discussions on the potential benefits of granting some form of legal status to undocumented immigrants in the U.S., including those covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, implemented through an executive order signed by former President Barack Obama in 2012.

"The delegations also discussed the benefits of regularizing the situation of Hispanic migrants who have been undocumented for several years and the DACA beneficiaries, who are a vital part of the US economy and society," stated the joint declaration, while confirming that further meetings between the delegations are planned for January.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized this proposal, stating, "At a time when America is experiencing the worst border crisis in our nation's history, it is unconscionable to hear the Biden Administration's announcement that Secretaries Mayorkas and Blinken discussed with the President of Mexico amnesty for illegal immigrants."

As the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address the border crisis, critics are calling for immediate action to curb illegal immigration. The ongoing security and sovereignty of the nation are at stake, prompting demands from the American people for decisive measures to tackle this humanitarian disaster and national security crisis.

In the pursuit of a solution, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will respond to the mounting challenges and demands surrounding border security, the regularization of undocumented immigrants, and the need to address the root causes of migration effectively.