“US to Send 1,500 Troops to Border with Mexico as Expiry of Health Measure Approaches”

The authorities fear a spike in arrivals as the expiry of a health measure allowing migrants to be expelled without delay approaches.

By Le Figaro with AFP

Posted on 02/05/2023 at 21:47update on 02/05/2023 at 21:55

The United States will send 1,500 additional troops to their border with Mexicothe Pentagon spokesman announced on Tuesday, ahead of the expiry next week of a controversial health measure allowing the immediate deportation of migrants crossing the land borders of the United States.

Authorities fear a spike in arrivals at their border with the lifting of this measure, known as “Title 42».

Temporary increase

«At the request of the Department of Homeland Security“, the US Secretary of Defense “approved a temporary increase of 1,500 additional military personnel to complement border police efforts on the southwestern border“said Pat Ryder.

For 90 days, they will support the police, particularly in terms of surveillance. “Military personnel will not directly participate in policing activitiesadded the spokesperson. They will add to the 2,500 troops already assisting border police and other agencies as they prepare for a surge in arrivals. The Department of Homeland Security clarified that “their support (would) enable law enforcement personnel to carry out their crucial work».

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The «Title 42is a measure related to the Covid-19 pandemic, put in place in 2020 under the Trump administration, which allows the immediate return of migrants who do not have a visa, even potential asylum seekers. It expires on May 11.

The United States announced last week new measures aimed at facilitating the journey of asylum seekers or refugees, by creating “management centersin Colombia and Guatemala.

Explosive subject

Immigration is a politically explosive topic in the United States. The Republican opposition relentlessly attacks Joe Biden, whom it accuses of having turned the Mexican border into a sieve. Elected Republicans have also planned a press conference on Wednesday to call on the Democrat to “keep Title 42 in place“, claiming that his lifting”would exacerbate what is already a humanitarian and national security catastrophe on our southern border».

As soon as he took office, Joe Biden put an end to the construction of the wall that Donald Trump wanted on the border with Mexico. But the arrivals of migrants continue without his having succeeded in reforming the immigration system, still stranded in Congress where Republicans are in the majority in the House.

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As of May 11, it’s another article, “Title 8which will be enforced, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said recently. This article provides for accelerated deportations, accompanied by a ban on new entry into the territory for five years and possible criminal prosecution. “To be clear, the border is not open and will not open after May 11“, according to Mr. Mayorkas, who nevertheless said he expected “an increase» crossings at the Mexican border as soon as this measure is lifted.

Migrants, anxious to escape poverty or violence in their countries of origin, often take enormous risks to enter American soil.