Since October 1, almost 50 migrants have died attempting to enter the United States-Mexico border, as Texas officials increase security measures ahead of the presidential transition in January.
“It’s horrible; it’s inhumane,” Border Patrol Union President Paul Perez stated. “Is it humane to let people die while traveling? That is not humane. It’s utterly horrific and frightening, and it needs to cease.
The killings occur as gangs tighten their control over border crossings, adopting a sophisticated wristband system to track payments and routes.
According to Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety, cartels charge up to $15,000 for “VIP” crossing packages while those who cannot pay face increased hazards.
Border Patrol personnel are trying to keep up with the mounting death toll while patrolling Texas’ vast borderlands. Officials view the crisis as an ongoing, developing challenge, with migrants continuing to attempt perilous crossings using cartel-controlled routes.
Under Operation Lone Star, the Texas National Guard has increased preparedness activities, including response drills, in anticipation of a possible uptick in border crossings before the presidential inauguration.
Recent Texas DPS arrests in Mission and Sullivan City revealed groups of migrants wearing colorful wristbands, which investigators claim imply payments to cartels.
Many migrants are attempting to cross the border before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, as he has vowed mass deportations.
Border Patrol reported 10,820 interactions with migrants in the 268-mile-long El Paso Sector.
