The unprecedented situation at the US-Mexico border – visualized

What is behind the surge of people trying to cross the border and what dangers do they face? A visual explainer

Record levels of migration are straining an immigration system left nearly broken by decades of congressional inaction.

Republicans have spent years amplifying scenes of turmoil and tragedy at the southern border, but Democratic leaders are also worried now, particularly big-city mayors and blue state governors who are demanding more federal resources to shelter and feed an influx of migrants.