Border Patrol agents apprehended a large group of illegal immigrants in southwest New Mexico, officials said Monday.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) said in a press release that 194 illegal immigrants were apprehended after 3 a.m. Sunday when they were trying to cross the Mexico-U.S. border near Camp Bounds Forward Operating Base, located near the Antelope Wells Port of Entry in New Mexico.
Officials report this is the second large group captured during the month of August in the El Paso Sector, which covers the counties of El Paso and Hudspeth in the state of Texas and the entire state of New Mexico.
The migrants in this group consisted primarily of Central American families as well as unaccompanied juveniles from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, Border Patrol agents said.
Medical screenings done initially showed that some of the migrants had lice and scabies. A 7-year-old child traveling with a parent was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for immediate treatment after tests showed he had a high fever. He was diagnosed with the flu and has since been released from the hospital and returned to the custody of Border Patrol.
“Large groups like these exacerbate the current immigration process further impacting our workforce, facilities, and resources,” said Interim Chief Patrol Agent Gloria Chavez. “I commend the incredible work of our Border Patrol Agents who continue to push forward through this border crisis.”
Despite the decline in apprehensions in recent months, the number of illegal immigrants entering the United States is still high and continues to present a challenge to border operations, officials said, adding that this remains a national security and humanitarian crisis.
This fiscal year, the El Paso Sector has surpassed 172,000 apprehensions compared to over 31,000 for the entire fiscal year 2018. Kevin McAleenan, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security wrote on Twitter that Border Patrol has been forced to find “creative solutions” to “alleviate the massive influx while maintaining our security & high standards.”
(1/3) @CBP El Paso Sector has seen a 500% increase in border crossers compared to FY18. @DHSgov has been forced to find creative solutions to alleviate the massive influx while maintaining our security & high standards–like the new Tornillo soft-sided facility for adults. pic.twitter.com/sL3oGQz9SS
— Acting Sec. Kevin McAleenan (@DHSMcAleenan) August 18, 2019
Not too long ago, a group of 225 illegal immigrants were captured near the Antelope Wells Port of Entry by Border Patrol agents. The group is also comprised primarily of Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles, according to a press release.
Border Patrol EMT’s and the Border Patrol’s Search, Trauma, and Rescue team, conducted initial medical screenings and determined no member of the group required additional attention. All members of the group was transported to the Lordsburg and Deming Border Patrol Stations for initial intake and processing.
Border Patrol condemns criminal organizations for continuing to “exploit innocent human lives” in order to enhance their illicit gains, with no regard to the risks associated with the hazardous practice.
In most cases, according to the homeland security agency, these smugglers never cross the border themselves in order to avoid apprehension.