Following the influx of undocumented immigrant children entering the U.S. during 2014, the latest rate during the fiscal year has been lower than last year thus far.

Based on data released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the apprehensions of undocumented immigrant children have dropped by half at select southwest border sectors. During the 2015 fiscal year, so far, 15,647 unaccompanied immigrant children have been apprehended across nine sectors in the southwestern U.S. In comparison to the same time period in 2014, the CBP apprehended 28,579 unaccompanied children.

Sectors such as Del Rio and Rio Grande saw apprehension levels drop by 50 percent or greater. In Del Rio, the apprehension rate declined by 50 percent, from 1,414 unaccompanied immigrant children apprehensions to 710 apprehensions during the early months of the 2014 fiscal year and 2015 fiscal year, respectively. At the Rio Grande Sector, apprehension levels dropped by 53 percent, from 19,258 during the early 2014 fiscal year to 9,093 for the 2015 fiscal year, so far.

Must Read: All U.S. Undocumented Immigrants Could Contribute $2.2 Billion in Taxes, Per Year 

In some sectors, the apprehension rate has increased, namely in the Big Bend Sector and Yuma Sector with 85 percent and 67 percent spikes, respectively.

The unaccompanied immigrant children's ages range from 17 years old and younger.

Mexico and Guatemala have been responsible for most of the unaccompanied immigrant children encountered by the CBP. The CBP encountered 5,572 immigrant children from Mexico, while the rate of Guatemalans was close at 5,465. El Salvador ranked third with 2,788 immigrant children, followed by Honduras with 1,549.

During the 2014 fiscal year, most undocumented immigrant children encountered by the CBP were from Honduras, with 18,244 encounters, which was a significant increase from the 6,747 encounters during the 2013 fiscal year and the 968 encounters in 2009.

According to the CBP's 2014 fiscal year report, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is responsible for the CBP, responded "aggressively" to control the influx of unaccompanied immigrant children as encountered in 2014. The CBP noted the rate of unaccompanied children and family units entering south Texas dropped to its lowest levels in almost two years.

Must Read: U.S. State Department's Jill Esposito Talks New Pilot Program to Streamline Immigrant Visas, Improve Communication 

"CBP's focus and efforts in 2014 reflect its continued commitment to border security, while ensuring increased transparency and accountability," the CBP report concluded. "The men and women of CBP serving on the frontlines are dedicated to protecting our nation's security, while facilitating trade and travel that are vital to our economic prosperity."

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.