While most of the sectors of our southern border have reported at least some reduction since May in the number of illegal border crossings between official Ports of Entry, the Tucson Sector is different. A total of 234,667 migrants have been apprehended so far in FY23, compared with 195,115 over the same period in FY22, a difference of 39,552, or 5 percent.
Another way in which the Tucson sector differs is that most of the illegal migrants coming across are in no mood to be arrested, unlike the majority in most other sectors, who often seek out the Border Patrol after crossing. This, of course, most likely suggests that such migrants might be more of a threat to American citizens than usual; he or she may be carrying drugs or even kidnapped children.
Another sector whose apprehension rate has increased is the Miami Sector. Agents there have reported 5,523 illegals apprehended so far this year, a 153-percent increase over the 2,183 apprehended during the same period last year. (Some of these often dramatic seaborne apprehensions are reported on in our occasional “Surge at Sea“ posts.)
One possible reason for the increase of arrests in these two sectors is the perceived success of Operation Lone Star in Texas, created by Gov. Greg Abbott. A state official recently announced the following:
Under Operation Lone Star, Texas National Guard soldiers and DPS troopers have apprehended over 393,000 illegal immigrants, repelled more than 49,000 illegal immigrants, seized over 422 million lethal doses of fentanyl and over 8,000 weapons, and arrested over 31,000 criminals – all of which would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and our country thanks to President Biden’s open border policies. Until President Biden steps up and does his job, Texas will continue utilizing every tool and strategy to respond to this border crisis.
Although not perfect, Gov. Abbott nevertheless has often taken the lead in implementing innovative and sometimes defiant immigration policies at the state level, in response to the vacuum created by the Biden administration. One of those Lone Star programs has been deploying a floating border barrier in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass. True to form, just last week the DOJ threatened the state with a lawsuit if it does not remove that barrier. To which, Gov Abbott responded, “See you in court, Mr. President.”
For more, see Breitbart News.