EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — KFOX14 went on an exclusive ride-along Tuesday with troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, to learn more about what it’s like patrolling the border in the wake of two breaches that saw more than 100 migrants enter the country illegally.
Back on April 12, more than 100 migrants were accused of cutting concertina wire along the border fence and trying to force their way into the U.S.
There was also an incident in March when a crowd of migrants overwhelmed National Guard troops along the border.
Texas DPS Public Information Officer, Eliot Torres, said that for the most part, his troopers are not facing those kinds of problems on a regular basis.
“As far as the aggressiveness, it comes and goes. We had a couple incidents a few weeks ago, but other than that it’s very calm. If they do get aggressive, it’s more vocally than anything,” said Torres.
Nevertheless, Torres said troopers are on high alert after the incidents on April 12 and March 21, and that the state is sending in additional reinforcements.
“We have more troopers coming in. The National Guard is adding numbers as well — there’s safety in numbers — so troops from all over the state are coming out here to assist every week,” said Torres.
During Tuesday’s ride-along, KFOX14 saw migrants resting by a fence while others were being detained by border patrol.
Torres said even when things are calm, troopers and other law enforcement officials along the border won’t let their guard down.
“If you come here [and] you’re aggressive, you assault people — whether it’s another illegal migrant or whether it’s an officer, National Guard, whoever it is — you’re going to get state charges. You’re going to go to jail for it,” said Torres.
Torres mentioned Operation Lone Star, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s controversial program that provides resources to patrol the border.
He said to help with the migrant situation, troopers are simply trying to do what they’re told.
“We’re hoping that with the efforts that we’re doing with Operation Lone Star, we can still manage to deter the migrants from coming in,” said Torres.
Torres said it’s not about keeping people out but trying to make sure they’re not coming over illegally.
“For those that are trying to cut the wire, get through or try to force their way through, don’t. The best way to come into this country is to go to the port of entry — if you’re seeking asylum, go to the port of entry and do it the right way, “said Torres.
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