U.S. Faces "Serious Challenge" At Southern Border

The transcript discusses the high number of encounters at the US-Mexico border, highlighting over 212,000 people, including nearly 19,000 unaccompanied children. It emphasizes the complexity and challenges of the situation, especially during a global pandemic. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas outlines the US strategy focusing on addressing root causes, legal immigration pathways, border security, and punishing smugglers.

What challenges does the situation at the border involve according to the text?

What is the context in which the border situation is described as complicated and involving vulnerable people?