Recent encounters with large groups of illegal immigrants at the southern border have sparked concerns, despite overall migrant numbers being lower than in previous months. Authorities remain on high alert for a possible surge before the incoming Trump administration takes office.
On Sunday, the Texas Department of Public Safety intercepted a group of 154 illegal immigrants in Eagle Pass, Texas. The group included six special interest migrants from Afghanistan and 20 unaccompanied minors. They were handed over to Border Patrol for processing.
In Arizona, Border Patrol also encountered a group of more than 230 illegal immigrants near San Miguel. The group was safely transported for processing, Border Patrol reported on Monday.
Border encounters have been sharply declining since June, following a presidential proclamation by President Biden that limited the number of arrivals allowed into the U.S. In September, encounters dropped to 101,790, the lowest since February 2021, with little sign of a significant increase since then.
Despite the drop in numbers, there are growing concerns that a change in administration could trigger a surge at the border. Migrants may seek to enter the U.S. before the perceived tougher policies of a new administration take effect. Large, cartel-organized groups could signal the start of a rise in border activity.
Biden administration officials have reportedly expressed concerns about a potential increase in immigration if former President Donald Trump wins the election. According to NBC News, discussions focused on whether the government was prepared for a last-minute spike in arrivals.
While Trump’s administration is expected to focus on mass deportations and crackdowns on sanctuary cities, it’s believed that migrants may be motivated by the prospect of lighter border security before the tougher policies are implemented.
Trump has pledged to strengthen border security and launch a mass deportation campaign once in office. He has also promised to end the Biden administration’s parole programs, which have allowed some migrants to enter through expanded legal pathways.
The incoming administration is also planning to expand immigration detention facilities to support these operations, including the creation of centers near major metropolitan areas.
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