The migration crisis in Texas and California, two states deeply involved in the challenges of illegal immigration, has evolved in recent weeks, especially in California. Texas has been addressing illegal immigration for over three years through the state-funded Operation Lone Star, leading to a significant reduction in migrant encounters across its border sectors recently.
Migrant crisis in California
On the other side, the crisis has escalated in California since the beginning of the year. With Texas border crossings becoming increasingly difficult, migrants are seeking alternative routes and entry points to enter the U.S., particularly through Southern California. California’s status as a sanctuary state allows many migrants to circumvent stringent border controls, often entering without comprehensive safety checks.
Read also: Trump’s risky game dragging other Republicans in New York trial circus could backfire
The border incidents are a ‘symptom’ of the broader illegal immigration issue. In California, the number of migrants injured while attempting to scale the newly fortified border wall and requiring hospital treatment is straining local healthcare resources. Meanwhile, Texas has witnessed several confrontations between migrants and American authorities, including a notable incident in March when hundreds of migrants bypassed Texas soldiers at the border. This incident resurfaced in public discussion nearly two months later when it was revealed that the migrants involved would not face charges.
The decision to drop riot charges against 211 migrants involved in a border incident in El Paso, Texas, has caused dismay among those managing illegal crossings, according to a Texas National Guard soldier. The event, which occurred on March 21 and was captured in a violent video by The New York Post, featured migrants breaking through wire barriers and clashing with soldiers who were assisting in their processing alongside the Border Patrol.
Siding with criminals
During the chaos, one soldier sustained a severe knee injury. Following the dismissal of legal charges, the individuals involved were released from local detention. The soldier interviewed by The New York Post expressed concern that the lack of penalties could lead to more aggressive actions against border enforcement personnel.
“These El Paso liberals are literally siding with criminals over our own police and military,” the soldier, who is working at the border as part of Operation Lone Star, said. “All it does is send a message that illegals can do whatever they want and get away with it. It sets a precedent and will encourage more behavior like that going forward,” the soldier added.
Feds took over migrants
Last week, the individuals acquitted of riot charges, who had entered the U.S. illegally, were handed over to federal authorities for additional processing, according to El Paso District Attorney Bill Hicks. Hicks suggested that some of them might be permitted to stay in the U.S. to apply for asylum. As of Tuesday, federal officials have not commented on the detention status of these migrants or if any have been released into the U.S., possibly under an electronic monitoring program. The dismissal of the cases on May 8 by El Paso County Judge Ruben Morales was attributed to the state’s failure to produce the required documents.
El Paso County Judge Ruben Morales during a court hearing said “If I don’t have jurisdiction, there’s nothing I can do on these cases [except dismiss them].”
Most migrants typically being released from federal custody within 72 hours and by the time any appeals are processed, those not deported are likely to have already left Texas. The riot charges that were dismissed could have resulted in up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Read also: Gov. Gavin Newsom shocks California homeowners with raising house insurance prices soon
Securing critical areas
Following the border breach, Texas responded by deploying additional troops and enhancing fencing under Operation Lone Star, which is aimed at controlling border disturbances. This heightened security in Texas has redirected migrant flows westward, making San Diego the new focal point for illegal crossings.
In April, border agents in San Diego recorded approximately 37,000 arrests of migrants entering illegally. Since President Biden took office in 2021, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data shows that over 7 million individuals have been apprehended while attempting to cross the southern border illegally.
