Mexico says number of migrants down 39% since May

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican officials say the number of mainly Central American migrants travelling through their country to reach the U.S. border has declined by 39% since May.

Mexico’s foreign relations secretary says the number of migrants fell from 144,278 in May, to 87,648 so far in July.

Marcelo Ebrard said the drop is the result of greater Mexican enforcement of its immigration laws, as well as investment in job creation in Central America.

Ebrard said Tuesday Mexico would hold a conference soon to attract international donors for a Central America development plan.

He said Mexico would not provide shelters for all the migrants returned to wait for resolution of their U.S. asylum requests.

Ebrard said more than half of migrants sent back under the Remain in Mexico program hadn’t asked for shelter.