A majority of the illegal aliens entering the U.S. in March did not cross a bridge and turn themselves in to Border Patrol; instead, they crossed between the ports of entry, attempting to evade law enforcement.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that they encountered 191,900 illegal aliens in March, with 162,317 of those specifically crossing between the ports of entry.
This is a 25 percent increase from February’s illegal crossings between the ports of entry—130,0254 encounters—and CBP is attributing the rising numbers to the warmer weather.
South Texas counties are deluged by these illegal crossings, particularly counties without a legal port of entry.
Kinney County, situated between two legal ports of entry in Maverick and Val Verde counties, constantly reports human smuggling incidents.
With the latest numbers from CBP, Kinney County Attorney Brent Smith told Texas Scorecard, “It comes to no surprise to folks on the border that 84 percent of 191,900 encounters occurred between the ports of entry via an unlawful entry. Those who live on the border see it and live it every day.”
Kinney County sheriff’s deputies recently rescued an unresponsive 5-year-old girl from a trunk during a human smuggling bust. Luckily, they were able to revive her.
In addition to the dangers for illegal aliens, who place their lives in the hands of dangerous cartel members, citizens are also struggling under the costs of the border crisis.
“The costs of an unsecured border have killed thousands of Americans through fentanyl poisoning and costs Texas $8.88 billion annually in education, healthcare, law enforcement and criminal justice system costs, welfare expenditures, and more,” said Smith.
National security concerns also exist, as more than 2,000 Chinese citizens attempted to illegally enter the U.S. in March.
Experts highlight the connection to fentanyl, as many of the precursors to making fentanyl are manufactured in China and brought to Mexico.
“Texas law enforcement officers have seized more than 360 million lethal doses of fentanyl since March 2021 between ports of entry and throughout Texas,” explained Smith. “However, acknowledging this data does not fit into Democrats’ talking points and gives evidence to the fact that they are willfully ignorant to what is really happening on our southern border.”
The Texas Legislature is considering multiple border security measures. However, activists say the best plan is for states to declare invasions and defend the border using Article I, Section 10, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution.
“Ultimately, the fortitude of our legislators in Austin this session will determine the fate of Texas,” said Smith.
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