An internal Border Patrol memo obtained by Fox News reveals that agents in the San Diego sector have been instructed to release single adults from all but six countries in the Eastern Hemisphere and classify them as “hard” or “very hard” to remove. This memo was issued after President Biden’s executive order banning asylum for most illegal immigrants went into effect. Biden announced the order as a way to address the border crisis and stated that he was taking executive action to address the issue. The memo instructs agents to process single adults from the Eastern Hemisphere via “NTA/OR,” except for migrants from Russia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Moldova, and Kyrgyzstan – which are classified as “mandatory referral” countries.
Despite the threats of consequences and promises to remove migrants who cross illegally under the new executive order, the overwhelming majority of migrants in the San Diego sector are being released into the U.S. Video footage captured by Fox News shows Border Patrol buses releasing hundreds of migrants at a trolley station in San Diego almost daily. The U.S. government faces challenges with countries that are considered “recalcitrant” and refuse to cooperate with deportation efforts. In a DHS background call with reporters, the agency acknowledged difficulties in removing certain Eastern Hemisphere countries but stated that they are working to gain cooperation from these nations, including China.
In the short term, mass catch-and-release of migrants continues despite the way the executive order was advertised. The presidential proclamation is set to temporarily suspend the entry of migrants across the southern border once the number of average border encounters exceeds 2,500 a day over seven days. This proclamation is accompanied by a rule from DHS and the Department of Justice that will increase standards for asylum. However, the rule comes with significant exceptions, including legal immigrants, unaccompanied children, victims of severe forms of trafficking, and those who schedule an appointment at a port of entry using the CBP One app. There is also an exception for individuals allowed to enter based on various circumstances such as law enforcement, public safety, humanitarian, and public health interests.
The ongoing situation at the southern border has sparked criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Many have expressed concern over the handling of the border crisis and the impact of the new border policies. Despite efforts to address the influx of migrants, challenges persist in enforcing immigration laws and managing the flow of individuals entering the country illegally. The U.S. government continues to work towards cooperation with countries that are reluctant to take back their citizens, particularly in the Eastern Hemisphere. The implementation of the new executive order and accompanying rules is aimed at addressing the border crisis and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
Overall, the internal Border Patrol memo obtained by Fox News sheds light on the challenges faced by agents in the San Diego sector as they navigate the influx of migrants from the Eastern Hemisphere. The memo outlines specific instructions for processing single adults and highlights the difficulties in removing individuals from certain countries. The ongoing situation at the southern border continues to be a point of contention, with concerns over mass catch-and-release practices and exceptions to the new border policies. Efforts are being made to address the border crisis, but challenges persist in enforcing immigration laws and managing the flow of migrants entering the U.S. The government is working to gain cooperation from recalcitrant countries and address the various factors contributing to the influx of individuals at the southern border.
