Following the expiration of Title 42, which was a Trump-era pandemic public health policy allowing authorities to swiftly turn back migrants at the US-Mexico border, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced a significant decrease in border crossings.
Mayorkas stated that there has been approximately a 50% drop in the number of people at the southern border compared to before Title 42 expired.
Despite this decrease, there are still dozens of migrants camping on the streets of downtown El Paso.
To address the situation, the vacant Bassett Middle School is being utilized as a shelter, and Morehead Middle School is prepared to be used if necessary.
Officials emphasize their intention to provide shelter for migrants and discourage individuals from camping on the streets.
However, it may take some time to fully address the overflow and ensure appropriate accommodations for everyone.
Secretary Mayorkas credited the Biden administration’s clear message to migrants about the consequences of circumventing lawful pathways for asylum as a contributing factor to the recent decline in numbers.
The administration has been planning and executing a transition for months to handle the situation at the border.
While it is still too early to determine if the surge in migrants has peaked, Mayorkas highlighted that over the past two days, the United States Border Patrol has experienced a 50% drop in encounters compared to earlier in the week before Title 42 ended.
The Biden administration remains committed to addressing the border situation effectively.
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