The number of migrants caught at the U.S. border reached a new high on Monday, with over 14,000 illegal border crossings in just one day, Daily Mail reported.
Another illegal border crossing record broken, thousands waiting to get in at Eagle Pass and 26,000 in custody
This surge happened as the US Customs and Border Protection decided to stop rail operations at two border crossings. Despite the changing situation, the agency promised to keep focusing on its mission of securing the border.
As per Fox News, US border agents call this the “worst day we’ve ever seen” regarding illegal border crossings. The most recent data reveals 11,000 border apprehensions and an extra 1,600 migrants encountered at official entry points. These numbers slightly exceed the previous record set two weeks ago, which was 12,000.
Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales described the figures as ‘historic’ and stated that there are already 26,000 individuals who have crossed the border in custody.
‘Tuesday morning in Eagle Pass. 14,000+ crossed ILLEGALLY yesterday & 26,000+ already in custody – the HIGHEST in US history. Christmas Day will be WORSE. President Biden has abandoned border communities like mine,’ wrote the lawmaker, who represents Hidalgo County.
JUST IN – US border agents are calling this the "worst day we've ever seen" in terms of illegal border crossings. – Fox
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) December 19, 2023
CBP takes action amid surging migrant numbers
To manage the increasing influx of migrants, CBP has temporarily halted freight crossings in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. This decision aims to redirect staff to address the growing number of migrants. Additionally, both vehicular and pedestrian crossings at ports in San Ysidro, California, Lukeville, Arizona, and Eagle Pass, Texas, have been closed in recent weeks.
The closures coincide with a notable surge in illegal migrant apprehensions, witnessing a 30 percent increase in December compared to November. In the initial 17 days of last month, there were 130,000 attempts to cross the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully. Now, in December, this number has escalated to 167,000 attempts, as reported by NewsNation.
‘After observing a recent resurgence of smuggling organizations moving migrants through Mexico via freight trains, CBP is taking additional actions to surge personnel and address this concerning development, including in partnership with Mexican authorities,’ CBP said in a statement.
Scheduled to take effect in March, the law, referred to as SB4, grants Texas law enforcement officers the authority to arrest individuals suspected of entering the country illegally. Those who re-enter may face penalties ranging from 180 days in jail to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
