SUMMARY
- FerroMex train from Zacatecas carries lively crowd, highlighting migration surge.
- Over 20,000 migrants in Border Patrol custody in the Rio Grande Valley sector alone.
- Biden administration explores measures, Texas reroutes migrants to "sanctuary cities."
The recent FerroMex train journey out of Zacatecas, Mexico, heading towards the U.S. southern border, had a lively atmosphere. Videos reveal the train packed with migrants, many of them audibly cheering and hanging from the sides of the train compartments. This comes even as the U.S. authorities have been firm in their message to would-be migrants, telling them in no uncertain terms, "do not come."
This surge in migration is stretching resources at the border to their limits. A telling example is Ajo, Arizona, which witnessed a daily influx of 2,000 illegal crossings for several consecutive days. Border agents found themselves releasing migrants onto the streets as shelters brimmed to capacity. Among these migrants were not only those from Central and Latin America but even individuals from as far away as Africa.
In recent times, the southern border has seen over 20,000 migrants in the custody of the Border Patrol, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley sector of Texas. Many of these groups include families, infants, children, and unaccompanied minors. When caught, a significant number of these families were released, but with an impending court date.
There's a potential change on the horizon. The Biden administration is evaluating a proposal to make migrants who've entered the U.S. illegally stay within Texas as they await their asylum screenings. This strategy is believed to help manage the high volume of migrants at the southern border. To facilitate this, migrants might be fitted with ankle bracelets to monitor their whereabouts. But this approach isn't without controversy, with the administration taking legal action against Texas and Arizona for measures they've implemented to manage migration.
While awaiting decisions on their asylum status, the migrants will be screened. Various initiatives have been proposed, including collaborations with local entities to offer housing. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been actively dealing with the situation, removing or returning over 200,000 individuals since May. Meanwhile, Texas is leveraging a unique approach. With border towns feeling the pressure, Texas has been transporting migrants to various "sanctuary cities" across the country. Governor Greg Abbott has been vocal about the need for these cities to contribute to the effort, pointing out the substantial numbers Texas has already redirected to such cities.
WOM Money Picks
Be a part of the winning team | 81% Success Rate.