EL PASO, Texas – Law enforcement agencies discovered 22 migrants in deplorable conditions in an El Paso home on December 16, according to statements by Jason Owens, director of the U.S. Border Patrol.
The intervention, described as a “shelter discovery”, took place after border agents received information about potential illegal activity at the site, reports KTSM.
Director Owens shared information about the intervention on social platforms, highlighting the unfavorable conditions in which these migrants were discovered.
Despite their inadequate living conditions, the migrants appeared healthy. Mr Owens indicated that they would be subject to removal proceedings from US territory.
Officials did not disclose the precise location of the shelter, but Director Owens stressed the importance of citizen reports of suspicious activity. “Reporting suspicious activity protects our neighborhoods and saves migrants from trafficking rings,” he told KTSM. The local media outlet mentions having approached the Border Patrol for clarification.
Illegal movements remain common in border cities like El Paso, a preferred entry point for migrants seeking asylum in the United States from the Mexican border.
Nevertheless, the US authorities have not released any information on the origin of the migrants discovered in this illegal residence. Mexicans, Salvadorans, Venezuelans and Haitians are the main communities attempting to enter the United States via El Paso.
This situation illustrates the ongoing challenges of illegal immigration and human trafficking at the U.S.-Mexico border. It also demonstrates the importance of law enforcement and public vigilance on these issues.
This article is based on data provided by KTSM.