Texas DPS detains over 100 immigrants who entered the US illegally

Sophia2 days ago

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Washington: Authorities have arrested a gang of over 100 illegal immigrants in Eagle Pass, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Immigration and border security, which were major issues during the 2024 presidential election, remain top priorities for President-elect Donald Trump, who has suggested mass deportations and pledged to clamp down on illegal immigration.

DPS-South Texas spokesman Lieutenant Chris Olivarez posted on X, previously Twitter, on Monday that troopers had discovered 154 migrants, including 20 unaccompanied minors, five of whom were females and 15 of whom were boys.

There were six Afghans in the group, who Olivarez described as “special interest immigrants.” People from nations or areas that U.S. national security services believe may have ties to terrorism or present security risks are referred to by this phrase.

According to Olivarez, “Troopers encountered a group of 154 illegal immigrants from Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Brazil, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, & the Dominican Republic who illegally crossed the Rio Grande between the ports of entry in Eagle Pass, TX.”

The U.S. Border Patrol, which is in charge of immigration enforcement on federal grounds, received custody of the group from the troopers, he said.

Operation Lone Star, a $11 billion initiative started in 2021 by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, included combining the DPS and the Texas National Guard “to combat the smuggling of people and drugs into Texas.”

According to the DPS, 204 migrants were arrested by troopers in Maverick County in October. There were 57 unaccompanied youngsters in the group, ranging in age from 8 to 17.

According to the DPS, troops captured a group of over 100 migrants in Eagle Pass in November. Border Patrol brought the migrants into custody for processing after apprehending the group, which included 11 unaccompanied minors.

Abbott’s administration reports that since the start of Operation Lone Star, the multiagency operation has resulted in more than 47,400 criminal arrests, including more than 41,000 felony charges, and the capture of more than 521,100 illegal aliens. Additionally, the strategy has helped to reduce illegal crossings into Texas by almost 86 percent.

According to an October Redfield & Wilton Strategies survey, 68 percent of Americans support the federal government taking a tougher stance on immigration, up from 62 percent at the beginning of polling in July 2023, with only 10 percent against such policies.