Border agency reports spike of nearly 6,000 immigrant children crossing into US alone

The surge is low compared to past years, but Covid-19 has reduced housing capacity, necessitating use of a controversial influx facility

Thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children are attempting to flee to the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic, propelled by devastating natural disasters, chronic violence, and severe economic hardship at home.

US Customs and Border Protection encountered 5,871 kids at the south-west border without a parent or legal guardian last month, the largest influx yet since the start of the public health crisis in early 2020.