Biden admin making moves at border amid looming migrant traffic shifts, increases
Biden’s administration has taken a number actions to respond to what appears as the beginning of an increase in the migrant flow at the southern border.
The number of migrants encountered at the border has decreased since the peak seen in early May before Title 42 was ended. This is contrary to some predictions. In May, there were more than 200,000 encounters. This dropped to 144,000 in the month of June.
The Biden administration has been touting that decline in numbers as proof that their post-Title 42 strategies are working. However, the numbers have reportedly increased. The Washington Post reported that the initial figures show a 30% rise in July.
There are also signs that traffic is shifting from Texas to Arizona. CBS News reported a 134% rise in the Tucson Sector from June. This is a region with extreme heat and conditions.
A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson told Fox News Digital that on Saturday, the agency was working to deal with “large numbers” of migrants crossing into the desert near Ajo – a normally desolate and peaceful part of the border.
The U.S. Border Patrol increased personnel and transportation resources in response to an increase in encounters along the Southwest border, where smugglers have sent people to walk miles with little to no water.
The media highlighted the Ajo station, where a chain link fence was put up around a holding area for migrants, which some called a “cage”. CBP said that only adults are held in this shaded area and they are monitored. They will be there until they can move to larger, better equipped facilities.
Border Patrol prioritizes the rapid transport of noncitizens who are found in desert environments, which can be dangerous under current weather conditions, so that they can receive medical attention, food, and water. USBP uses outdoor shaded areas for very brief periods of time, only when it is necessary.
There are signs of administration moving across the border to prepare for an increase in migrants.
Last week, the Pentagon announced that only 1,100 active-duty soldiers would be sent home to their base and that 400 additional troops were approved to stay until the end of this month.
The troops were deployed to assist Customs and Border Protection with processing in anticipation of the anticipated post-Title 42 surge.
Fox News Digital also obtained an internal DHS memo sent last week asking for volunteers to help with processing. In an internal memo, acting Deputy Sec. Kristie Candello told staff that although there were “positive trends” along the border following the end of Title 42 last May, they “need to remain vigilant and ready for future trends and increased migration.”
It said: “To support this crucial mission, I request that you consider registering as a member of the DHS Volunteer Force” DHS officials said that these programs were “incredibly successful” and encouraged more employees to join. They also stated that the program ensures the agency is operationally ready by filling critical positions before they are required.
Fox News Digital reported the same thing, stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special agents will be increasing their number at the border to 200 in Operation Expanded Impact. Agents will be deployed in key sectors of Texas, Arizona, and California.
DHS spokeswoman told Fox News Digital that numbers of illegal border crossers were still lower than before Title 42 was halted on May 11.
The spokesperson stated that “illegal border crossings are down significantly since the border enforcement plan was implemented and remain below levels observed when Title 42 was in place.” “We are vigilant and we expect fluctuations. Smugglers will continue to spread disinformation in order to exploit vulnerable people,” the spokesperson said.
The agency stated that the divisions within the department will work together and adjust their operations depending on various factors. The number of asylum officers has also increased by 33 percent. Now, the agency is working to complete an initial credible fear interview in a few days after a claim by migrant. It will also continue to assess operations and work with governments to address the changes in migration flow.
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