(DC Pundit) – As the Biden administration grapples with ongoing challenges at the southern border, Texas is once again stepping up its efforts to safeguard its border regions. While members of the Texas National Guard have been busy reinforcing the border with Mexico, recent developments have highlighted the need to secure a different border, one that’s much closer to home.
Photographs released by El Paso’s KFOX-TV have captured National Guard soldiers in the midst of erecting razor-wire barriers in West Texas, near the state’s border with New Mexico. These barriers are being set up in proximity to the city of Sunland Park, New Mexico, a region that has garnered attention due to increasing illegal immigration.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, addressing this situation, declared, “Migrants are entering New Mexico illegally, then crossing into Texas. We are stopping it.”
In recent months, Sunland Park has emerged as a notable “gateway” for illegal immigrants, according to a report by The Santa Fe New Mexican. Its strategic location, which allows individuals to easily walk between El Paso, Texas, and Juárez, Mexico, has made it an attractive option for those seeking to enter the United States unlawfully.
"Texas National Guard reinforces border with razor wire following Governor Abbott's orders."
This is on the border between Texas and NEW Mexico.
Migrants are entering New Mexico illegally then crossing into Texas.
We are stopping it.https://t.co/5ypt0HBJzw
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 10, 2023
The steel fence that separates the United States from Mexico, while formidable in some areas, has a wide gap in Sunland Park. This gap has made it remarkably easy for illegal border crossings to occur, leading to deadly consequences. Sunland Park Mayor Javier Perea lamented, “The desert is very unforgiving in this area. Within the municipal limits, we’ve found about 25 bodies this year alone, and about 80 bodies have been found outside city limits.”
The situation in the El Paso border sector, which encompasses New Mexico, has been particularly challenging. Customs and Border Protection reported a substantial increase in migrant encounters during fiscal year 2023, with a 59% rise compared to the previous year. Fidel Baca, a Border Patrol agent and spokesman, noted that the sector is currently the busiest in the nation, with an average of over 900 people crossing the border daily.
Concerns about border security in New Mexico prompted inquiries to Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. However, her press secretary emphasized that it’s not the state’s responsibility to address border security, stating, “The state assists the federal government with their needs, and at this time they have not reached out… As we have always said, we have called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, and we stand ready to assist Border Security if they request it.”
In response to what they see as insufficient federal action, Governor Abbott and Texas are taking matters into their own hands, reinforcing their commitment to securing the border and addressing the challenges presented by illegal immigration, despite the ongoing struggle to achieve federal immigration reform and enforcement.
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