Texas authorities have detained an additional 70 migrants involved in the El Paso border crisis. This incident, which involved immigrants assaulting National Guard troops, has sparked national debates on immigration policies and border control measures.
On March 21, migrants attempted a mass invasion at the El Paso border, leading to violent interactions with the National Guard. A total of 70 individuals involved in this incident have now been apprehended by Texas authorities, with charges of rioting leveled against them.
“The escalating situation at the border is a clear indication of the urgent need for effective immigration policies,” said a Texas official.
The detained individuals are part of a larger group of over 200 migrants. However, federal entities such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are reportedly not cooperating as expected with Border Patrol, impeding the state’s effort to arrest and charge all involved parties.
The migrants charged with rioting are accused of instigating violence and assaulting National Guard soldiers deployed at the border. Among the arrested is a 21-year-old Honduran national, Junior Evaristo-Benitez, who reportedly stomped a soldier’s knee “purposefully and with malice.”
The migrants involved in the incident tore down border wire set up by the state, knocking down soldiers as they attempted to force entry through Gate 36. Their hope was that Border Patrol agents on the other side would take them into custody and grant them entry into the US.
The situation escalated when soldiers began turning small groups of single adult migrants back towards Mexico. This caused agitation among the migrants, leading to the rush on the guardsmen.
Authorities later retrieved knives and shanks from some of the rioters. One migrant even tried to seize a soldier’s firearm during the confrontation. Several soldiers suffered minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital.
In response to the crisis, Texas has increased its National Guard presence and Department of Public Safety troopers in El Paso. Additional border wire has also been erected to deter illegal crossings and encourage migrants to present themselves at proper ports of entry.
The state’s actions reflect its commitment to maintaining law and order at the border, ensuring the safety of law enforcement personnel, and upholding immigration laws.
“These people were willing to assault military,” a National Guard source told The Post. “They were willing to assault law enforcement. They have complete disregard for our laws.”
The El Paso border crisis is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by border states in handling immigration issues. As Texas authorities work to manage the situation, the incident underscores the need for effective cooperation between state and federal entities, as well as comprehensive immigration policies that balance national security and humanitarian concerns.