Border Communities Brace for Migrant Influx Ahead of Title 42’s Planned End
Authorities are reporting a significant increase in the number of migrants arriving at the border as the expiration of Title 42 approaches in just two days.
The community of Brownsville, Texas is still grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident where a driver struck and killed eight Venezuelan migrants.
NBC News correspondent Gabe Gutierrez is on the ground in Brownsville, Texas with the latest updates.
With only two days remaining until the expiration of Title 42, authorities are witnessing a surge in the number of migrants anticipated to cross the border.
The influx has already begun, with reports of increased migrant activity in areas such as El Paso, where more individuals are resorting to sleeping on the streets.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security issued a press release on Monday, announcing a targeted enforcement operation scheduled for today.
However, concerns are rising among migrants like Marianne Castro from Venezuela, who fears the possibility of deportation after the sacrifices she made with her three children.
“I’m so fearful that after all the sacrifices I made with my three kids, I’ll have to return,” she expressed.
The Border Patrol union, which blames President Biden’s policies for the surge in migrant numbers, has criticized the administration for prematurely announcing the crackdown.
They argue that disclosing the location of an operation before it takes place undermines efforts to apprehend criminals.
In Brownsville, Texas, another city that has declared a state of emergency, aid groups are working tirelessly to cope with the situation.
However, resources are stretched thin, and the uncertainty surrounding the numbers expected after May 11 adds further strain.
The community of Brownsville is also mourning the loss of eight Venezuelan migrants who tragically lost their lives when a driver rammed into them.
Gabriel Gallardo, one of the survivors, lost a leg in the incident.
“My dreams are broken.
They’re gone,” he expressed from his hospital bed, while his wife and two children desperately seek help from Colombia, hoping to make it to the United States.
Amidst this brutal and confusing journey, Venezuelan women have encountered difficulties using the government app to apply for asylum.
Customs and Border Protection has acknowledged the high demand and announced plans to expand appointments to address the issue.
However, some applicants have reported technical issues with the app, getting kicked out after creating an account.
As the expiration of Title 42 looms, border communities remain on high alert, bracing themselves for a potential surge in migrant arrivals and grappling with the challenges it presents.
