US-Mexico border crisis escalates as thousands-strong migrant caravan approaches

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Migrants depart from Tapachula, Mexico, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Edgar H. Clemente)

SAN ANTONIO (WOAI/KABB) —

The crisis at the Southern border could be getting worse. A large caravan of migrants from Central America, Venezuela, Cuba and other countries is making its way to the U.S.-Mexico border.

US-Mexico%20border%20crisis%20escalates%20as%20thousands-strong%20migrant%20caravan%20approaches%20(WOAI/KABB)

Read More The caravan, estimated to be around 6,000 people, departed on Christmas Eve from the city of Tapachula.

This comes as the U.S. recently closed several border crossings due to a large surge. The U.S. facilities aimed at housing migrants have been overwhelmed by the numbers.

Law enforcement along the border are now desperate for federal assistance.

"On the law enforcement side, we're suffering because we don't have the manpower to take care of what we call the local business, the criminal elements, and then the immigration problem," said Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber. "So, it's costing us a lot of manpower and of course, the federal government and state troops too, you know, they're not here in the river like they supposed to be, they're processing. Customs and Border Protection said they need additional funding to help enforce consequences for those who cross illegally.

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"I think we haven't passed a significant immigration bill since Reagan's second term, and so this is not easy. But we're working hard to get an outcome because the country needs it and the country needs it soon," said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell.

Although little progress has been made on the issue this year, many are hoping that it will be addressed by Congress next year.

According to Congressman Tony Gonzales, the surge of migrants is straining border communities and now has residents scrambling to find enough resources for themselves.

"My district is 70% Hispanic," said Gonzales. "This crisis is in our third year. I'm starting to hear from first and second-generation Americans saying I do not want these people in my country. It is absolutely turned upside down. why? Because when they go to the grocery store they can't get bread. When they call to go to the hospital they can't get a bed. They are feeling further and further behind. Not to mention the high-speed chases that are so dangerous our schools going into lockdown."

This December, as many as 10,000 migrants were arrested a day at the Southwest U.S. border.

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Source link : https://cbsaustin.com/amp/news/nation-world/us-mexico-border-crisis-escalates-as-thousands-strong-migrant-caravan-approaches-tapachula-southern-border-migrant-crisis-venezuela-cuba-central-america-border-patrol-christmas-eve Author : Publish date : 2023-12-26 03:00:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source .