Details of the Migrants' Journey
Around 3 p.m., approximately 200 Venezuelan migrants took their chances. A mix of families and single adults were motivated to cross the Rio Grande from Juarez, Mexico.
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It seems that circulating rumors suggesting that U.S. authorities were allowing asylum seekers at specific entry points fueled their decision.
The Biden Administration's Stance on Asylum
In recent developments, the Biden administration initiated a policy named the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways in May.
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This rule has put a barrier to those seeking asylum, denying entry to individuals who have entered the U.S. between designated ports or those who bypassed applying for protection in transit countries.
The Waiting Game
Among the crowd was Carly, a Venezuelan woman who voiced the frustration experienced by many.
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Having waited for an appointment at a legal entry point for two months in Juarez, the inefficiencies of the CBP One online application system added to her growing impatience and desperation.
Detention Concerns
With an air of anticipation mixed with worry, Carly mentioned, “I heard they keep you in detention for 15 to 20 days, they investigate you, and then release you.
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This statement reflected a sense of hope that there might be a light at the end of the difficult journey they were undertaking.
Destination: Gate 28
Several migrants appeared to be acting upon specific guidance. They aimed for Gate 28 at the border wall, a location directly opposite Juarez’s iconic Big Red X sculpture.
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This targeted approach suggests that trusted sources had pointed them to this particular entry spot.
National Guard Holds Firm at Border
As they approached, the migrants were met with a staunch refusal from the Texas National Guard. The guards, fortified behind razor wire barriers, asserted a clear non-entry directive to the migrants.
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Despite the refusal, some hopefuls lingered on the American side of the Rio Grande, holding onto hope as the day turned to evening.
A Quiet Morning at the Rio Grande
As the dawn broke, the vicinity of the Rio Grande showcased a scene of desertion, a stark contrast to the previous day’s bustling activity.
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Eyewitness accounts corroborated that the majority of the Venezuelan migrants had resignedly retreated back to their temporary haven in Juarez.
Persistent Migrants Take Bold Steps
Despite the setbacks, a Juarez news outlet released a video displaying the determination of a handful of migrants.
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These individuals demonstrated their resolve by lifting the barbwire obstacles and advancing further in a bid to locate Border Patrol officers to whom they could surrender.
Intensified Security Measures
To counter the increasing attempts of illegal border crossings, Operation Lone Star established a strategic camp nearby the border wall in El Paso.
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This operation represents a fortified effort initiated since last year, aiming to staunchly discourage unauthorized entries into the U.S.
Current Trends in Migrant Encounters in El Paso
Recent statistics released by the Border Patrol indicate a noticeable decrease in daily migrant encounters in the El Paso sector.
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The figures have dipped from a high of 2,700 daily apprehensions in the first quarter of the 2023 fiscal year to a current average of 800 encounters per day.
El Paso Leads in Migrant Interactions in the U.S.
Despite the recent decrease, El Paso remains a hotspot for migrant encounters in the United States.
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Over the last 10 months, the city recorded a staggering 364,092 encounters, placing it at the forefront of U.S cities in terms of migrant interactions during this period.