An unprecedented surge of around 4,000 migrants crossed the US-Mexico border into the city of Eagle Pass, Texas, on Wednesday, forcing the already densely populated city to declare a state of emergency.
According to the New York Post, Mayor Ronaldo Salinas revealed that a separate group of 2,500 individuals had unlawfully crossed into the city just last Monday, bringing the total number of unauthorized border crossers to 7,200 in the past week.
This surge represents the largest increase since approximately 15,000 Haitian migrants settled under a bridge in nearby Del Rio, Texas, two years ago, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis.
Salinas noted that the new influx, many of whom are from Venezuela, overwhelmed the city’s sole immigrant shelter, “Mission Border Hope.” The mayor also highlighted a crisis wherein many of these male migrants are defiant, not adhering to directives, and leaving the facility.
He further stated that the massive flow of migrants over the past week, equivalent to nearly half of its 29,000 population, has strained local resources, particularly law enforcement and the fire department.
Mayor Salinas issued a warning that he had been informed of an estimated 4,000 to 8,000 individuals in separate groups heading towards the city.
Eagle Pass is home to a Customs and Border Protection facility that opened in 2022, with a capacity of up to a thousand individuals. New York Post reports indicate that many of the migrants currently detained are in crowded conditions at one of the city’s international bridges.
The situation in Eagle Pass, Texas, reflects the ongoing challenges faced by communities along the US-Mexico border due to a surge in unauthorized border crossings. This influx of migrants has strained local resources, particularly in cities with limited capacity to accommodate large numbers of arrivals.
The incident is reminiscent of the 2021 Del Rio migrant crisis, which garnered international attention when thousands of Haitian migrants gathered under a bridge in Del Rio, Texas. Such events highlight the complex issues surrounding immigration and the need for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States. The city’s declaration of a state of emergency underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges at the national level.
