U.S. federal Authorities have been feverishly working to get the word out to Mexican Cartels and migrants alike that, despite the current U.S. government “shutdown,” the borders are NOT “open” as enforcement operations will continue as if it’s “business as usual.”
U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) is among the agencies taking to social media to explicitly state that “Rumors that a U.S. Government shutdown will allow illegal immigrants to enter the United States are FALSE.“
If anything, federal authorities stepped up border enforcement efforts to reinforce their message just ahead of the anticipated shutdown, including “Operation Pickoff“ that led to the arrest of 23 illegal aliens with arrest warrants in Laredo, Texas over two days this week.
Downriver from Laredo, Texas and Florida National Guard troops have been installing buoys on the Rio Grande, warning (in English & Spanish) against illegal entry into a newly-designated “National Defense Area” near McAllen, Texas.
While in Starr County, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) drone patrolling the Rio Grande in recent days spotted a cartel human smuggler loading 10 illegal aliens who had just crossed the Rio Grande into a van. When DPS officers responded to the scene, the smuggler and the aliens first tried to flee, then eventually bailed out following a brief pursuit.
The 10 illegal aliens (including two from Uzbekistan and one from Slovenia) were arrested and turned over to the Border Patrol. The Cartel Smuggler escaped.
Three days later, in Terrell County, Texas, Sheriff’s deputies and Border Patrol Agents rounded up a group of seven illegal aliens after they crossed the Rio Grande there. An eighth illegal alien initially got away, but dialed 911 to turn himself in a day later rather than brave the harsh desert conditions there alone.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to hammer home the message that the border is NOT “open” during a federal government “shutdown.”
Should more be done to continue to secure the border with Mexico?
Share your opinion in the comments on this article!
Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
I just pray no injuries
I don't see the point of CBP announcing this; why not just ask everyone not to come during the shutdown, and then see what happens?