As Title 42, the Trump-era health order allowing border agents to immediately expel illegal aliens from the country, is set to be repealed, law enforcement in El Paso, Texas, has launched a targeted crackdown on illegal immigration.
According to a press release from the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Monday, the operation aims to process individuals for vetting and placement into Title 42 expulsion or Title 8 removal proceedings, as applicable. Noncitizens posing a threat to national security or public safety will be transferred to ICE for detention.
Expected migrants’ surge in the Ciudad Juarez city – right across the border from El Paso – has caused CBP to ramp up the operation, in anticipation of an influx of illegal migrants crossing the border from Mexico into El Paso after the repeal of Title 42.
The Washington Examiner reports that approximately 2,500 migrants are currently living on the streets of El Paso, with an estimated 15,000 clustered in Ciudad Juarez and preparing to enter the U.S. when Title 42 expires on Thursday.
They tell me you announce the RESULTS of an enforcement operation in a press release, not the PLAN. Our team on the ground in El Paso tell me much of the migrant population cleared out before the operation this morning, after the press release went out.
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 9, 2023
However, not all illegal migrants remain in El Paso, with many reportedly clearing out before the operation got underway. Fox News reporter Bill Melugin reveals the frustration of some Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents with the handling of the crackdown.
NEW: There are more than 27,000 migrants in CBP capacity this morning according to sources.
These are unprecedented numbers—8 of 9 sectors are overwhelmed and exceeding capacity.
I’m told when capacity numbers hit 29,000 agents from the northern and coastal sectors will be… pic.twitter.com/JyIkeswWiI
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) May 9, 2023
They were “in disbelief” that the CBP has issued the crackdown plan in a press release the night before and warned that they had lost the element of surprise. In addition, Melugin suggests many immigrant holding facilities and NGO centers are already at capacity or overcrowded.
Past 72 Hours…
– 26,382 Apprehensions
– 7,399 Approx. Gotaways
– 164 lbs. Marijuana
– 83 lbs. Meth
– 66 lbs. Cocaine
– 11 lbs. Fentanyl
– 5 lbs. Heroin
– $12,200 Siezed
– 1 Firearm
– 3 Sex Offenders
– 1 Wanted Felon
– 1 Gang MemberGreat work over the weekend! pic.twitter.com/OsoEoulOO8
— Chief Raul Ortiz (@USBPChief) May 8, 2023
This comes amid a steady surge in illegal migration in the weeks leading up to Title 42’s expiration. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz reports that roughly 9,000 migrant apprehensions and over 7,000 gotaways – illegal immigrants seen entering the U.S but not apprehended – are taking place every day.
