Border Patrol agents in Arizona are facing an influx of migrants crossing into a desolate part of the border. As a result, these agents are now keeping some migrants outdoors in fenced-off areas, which showcases the fluctuating migration patterns at the border. According to a spokesperson from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the agency is working to address the large numbers of migrants crossing into the desert near Ajo. These agents are reducing the time in custody to 15 hours before transporting the migrants to more populated areas with better facilities to handle larger numbers.
In regards to this situation, the spokesperson stated, “The U.S. Border Patrol has deployed additional personnel and transportation resources to respond to the increase in encounters in this area, which is known to be one of the hottest, most isolated, and dangerous parts of the southwest border. Smuggling organizations heartlessly send individuals to walk for miles in these conditions, often without sufficient water.”
The media has reported on the fenced-off areas where migrants are held, referring to them as cages. These outlets have displayed images of migrants crowded onto narrow benches seeking shade and using large fans to cool off. Last month, The Intercept witnessed approximately 50 migrants in these fenced areas during a heatwave, sparking outrage from immigration rights groups who deem the situation inhumane and abusive. However, CBP refutes these accusations, claiming that smugglers are responsible for leaving migrants in the middle of the desert. CBP is working to transport illegal migrants promptly to locations where they can receive proper care.
Officials emphasize that the area experiences extreme temperatures, with ground temperatures surpassing 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and lacks infrastructure, shelter, and water. Due to historically low migrant crossings in the Ajo area, the station is ill-equipped to accommodate large numbers of migrants. Therefore, agents swiftly transport them to other parts of Arizona that are better equipped to handle higher volumes.
CBP prioritizes the assessment and screening of migrants using biometrics and background checks. They ensure that vulnerable individuals or those in need of immediate attention receive transportation and care. While awaiting transport, some adult male migrants may be temporarily placed in outdoor facilities as needed. CBP ensures that these areas are shaded, monitored, and equipped with bathrooms, meals, and water. If a migrant reports feeling unwell or exhibits signs of illness, they are brought inside for screening.
The spokesperson affirms that Border Patrol prioritizes the swift transportation of non-citizens encountered in the desert environment, as it can be particularly dangerous under current weather conditions. Once transported to USBP facilities, individuals receive medical care, food, and water. The use of outdoor shaded areas is only employed when necessary and for limited durations.
CBP emphasizes that there have been no major medical emergencies or deaths due to heat-related issues after migrants have been taken into custody. The controversy surrounding the situation in Ajo highlights the challenges faced by officials and border agencies in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs of migrants.
In other news, Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently defended his floating border barrier against criticism. Mexico had attempted to tie the death of a migrant in the Rio Grande to the barrier, which is also the subject of a Department of Justice lawsuit. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is currently battling in court to defend an asylum rule that restricts asylum claims for migrants who entered illegally and failed to seek asylum in a previous country they traveled through. A reprieve was granted this week when an order blocking the rule was stayed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Author Adam Shaw, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, primarily covers immigration and border security. He can be contacted at [email protected] or through his Twitter account.
(Source:[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/arizona-border-agents-migrants-fenced-areas))
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