Undocumented individuals are streaming across the US border in Arizona through a gap in the wall.
In December alone, more than 302,000 migrant interactions occurred.
On Thursday evening, a group of illegal immigrants flowed through a smuggler-created hole in the border wall in Lukeville, Arizona, underscoring the ongoing difficulties faced by Border Patrol agents, despite the construction of walls in certain regions.
In Lukeville, Arizona, Planet Chronicle recorded footage of illegal immigrants rushing through a gap in the border, which had been cut by the cartels. Smugglers, believed to be responsible for the breach, can be seen cheering on the immigrants to hurry up before they return to Mexico.
In the video, smugglers are seen recording migrants with their phones, possibly capturing evidence of their successful delivery into the U.S.
The video reveals the organization of smugglers to transport illegal immigrants into the U.S., where they may either escape further or surrender to Border Patrol, after which they are typically released to non-governmental organizations.
In December, there were over 300,000 migrant encounters, including those who crossed illegally and those who appeared at ports of entry, in addition to the more than 2.4 million encounters in FY 23.
During the month of December, over 5,000 migrants were released daily, resulting in a significant increase in the number of illegal immigrants on the non-detained docket of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. From FY 2021 to FY 2023, the number of illegal immigrants on the non-detained docket increased from 3.7 million to nearly 6.2 million. This docket includes individuals who have final orders of removal or are going through removal proceedings but are not detained in ICE custody.
The crisis has intensified political pressure on the Biden administration, with both Republicans and Democratic mayors urging the administration to take stronger action to address the migrant surge.
The Biden administration has been urged by Republicans to limit the release of migrants into the U.S. interior, including through humanitarian parole. Additionally, House Republicans have proposed legislation to restore Trump-era programs and restrict asylum claims.
The Biden administration is facing a crisis across the Hemisphere and is implementing a policy to target smugglers, expand legal entry routes, and increase penalties for illegal entry, with over 460,000 people removed since May.
The program is functioning within a faulty system and requires funding and immigration reform from Congress. Although it has requested an additional $14 billion, this request is being delayed as Republicans insist on stricter limits on asylum, which many Democrats oppose.
The Biden administration filed a lawsuit against Texas this week over a law signed by Governor Abbott that permits state and local police to detain undocumented immigrants.
Planet Chronicle' Aubrie Spady contributed to this report.
Politics
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