Migrants Rush to Cross Mexico Border Ahead of Title 42 Policy Expiration
Migrants hurriedly crossed the Mexico border on Thursday in a race to enter the United States before the expiration of the Title 42 policy at 11:59 p.m.
This policy, which was implemented as a pandemic-related measure, imposed restrictions on asylum claims, raising concerns among migrants about the potential difficulties they may face in staying in the country.
Texas state troopers have reported detaining nearly 10,000 migrants attempting to enter the country illegally.
Some migrants were seen waiting outside one of the five ports of entry in McAllen.
Reports from the border indicate that dozens of migrants were being dropped off in the area.
Andy Logan, a witness near the border, observed the arrival of more migrants who were dropped off by border agents.
Earlier in the day, Logan witnessed three buses filled with migrants being escorted by Border Patrol agents to a building where they were processed.
The exact nature of the activities inside the building remains unclear.
Many of the migrants expressed their urgency to enter the United States before the expiration of Title 42, as they were uncertain about the future and concerned that the U.S.
policy might become stricter.
Title 42, a public health order introduced during the pandemic, enabled immigration officials to swiftly deport migrants without allowing them to request asylum.
The Biden administration has been aiming to curb illegal border crossings while also establishing pathways for migrants to apply through an app, seek sponsorship, and undergo extensive background checks.
However, some migrants voiced their frustration and dissatisfaction, expressing that the process was too complicated.
With Title 42 coming to an end, the number of individuals attempting to cross the border has significantly increased.
While the specific actions taken inside the processing building remain unclear, it was observed that some migrants exited the facility and proceeded to Catholic Charities across the street, where they received assistance.
As midnight approaches and Title 42 expires, the Biden administration has stated that Title 8 will be implemented as a replacement.
Title 8 was utilized prior to the pandemic and will likely have implications for future immigration policies.
