As the border crisis rages on, Border Patrol encountered nearly 200,000 illegal aliens at the southwest border last month.
According to recent numbers released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 183,503 illegal aliens were encountered at the border in July. The number of encounters has risen by almost 40,000 from June, which saw 144,566 encounters.
However, not reported in the official data is the number of known/reported gotaways recorded by border patrol agents. Previously reported by The Center Square, a border patrol agent who asked to remain anonymous confirmed there were over 27,000 “gotaways.”
In fiscal year 2023, there have been over 1.9 million encounters at the border, with the majority being single adults and over 100,000 being unaccompanied minors.
Last month, Gov. Greg Abbott installed Texas buoy barriers to take action where the Biden administration has lagged. Abbott said it is intended to “deter illegal border crossings between ports of entry.” The buoys have led to lawsuits by a local business owner and the Department of Justice, claiming it will cause irreparable harm.
Cary Cheshire, executive director of Texans for Strong Borders, told Texas Scorecard that Texas needs bold leaders who will take action to secure the border.
“People often say the Texas Border is not secure, but that isn’t true. It’s just not secured by us. Narcoterrorist cartels control the entire border and the human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other illegal activity that occurs,” explained Cheshire. “Texans need leaders who will stop this invasion and actually secure the Texas Border. That means not just constructing barriers, but also repelling illegal aliens and returning any who make it across back to Mexico.”
Indeed, Texans have felt the burden of the border crisis, with many border counties previously declaring a state of emergency and an invasion at the border. A recent poll conducted by CWS Research shows that 69 percent of respondents said they want Gov. Abbott to install more marine barriers in the Rio Grande River.
With the border continuing to be a top priority for many Texans, there is increasing pressure to add border security to an upcoming special session of the state legislature.
