In response to an ongoing surge in migrant arrivals, the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector in Texas has temporarily halted operations at highway checkpoints, redirecting the majority of Border Patrol agents to handle the processing, transportation, and humanitarian care of over 7,000 migrants in custody. The decision, considered a crucial element in the border security strategy, follows the arrival of more than 5,000 migrants in local detention facilities designed for a much smaller capacity. An additional 2,000 migrants are being held temporarily near Eagle Pass, Texas. The migrant influx, totaling 32,000 since early December, has made the Del Rio Sector the second busiest crossing point on the southwest border.
Local communities, particularly Eagle Pass, are grappling with the impacts of increased migrant crossings, affecting legal activities such as tourism, shopping, and employment. Mayor Rolando Salinas expressed frustration with the situation, labeling it an “immigration disaster.” The migrant flow, approximately 2,000 per day, mainly consists of Venezuelans, Hondurans, and Colombians entering through Piedras Negras and crossing the Rio Grande into Eagle Pass. Despite concerns from residents and leaders, law enforcement on both sides of the border has been unable to effectively curb the crossings. The situation has prompted a shift in Border Patrol resources away from highway checkpoints, crucial for detecting human smuggling and other border crimes.
