The U.S. Border Patrol has detained a large group of immigrants, including many Cubans and unaccompanied minors, after they crossed the Texas border. Authorities arrested a total of 131 illegal immigrants in Maverick County for what they are calling “criminal trespassing,” according to a social media post by Chris Olivarez from the Department of Public Safety on platform X.
“The groups included 80 men and 51 women from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic,” the post stated. The exact number of Cubans detained was not specified. The information also mentioned that agents recovered three unaccompanied minors from Honduras who were found with a note containing an address in Baltimore. The group reportedly reached U.S. soil by crossing the Rio Grande, as shown in a video posted by Olivarez.
Operation Lone Star and its Controversies
This operation is part of Texas‘ efforts to reduce illegal crossings along its border through the controversial Operation Lone Star, launched in 2021 by Governor Greg Abbott. The Republican governor blames the policies of President Joe Biden‘s administration for the massive influx and illegal entry of migrants through Texas’ border with Mexico.
Last week, President Biden signed a series of executive actions that will prevent irregular migrants who cross the southern border illegally from seeking asylum in the U.S. The President issued an order under sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to suspend the entry of non-citizens crossing the border illegally. Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans would be returned to Mexico and could only seek asylum if they arrived at the border with an appointment via the CBP One platform, according to the document.
One day later, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) announced that he was seeking an agreement with the U.S. government to prevent immigrants from being returned to Mexico following Biden’s newly approved measure.
FAQs on Cuban Migrants and U.S. Border Policies
In light of recent events, many have questions about the situation involving Cuban migrants and U.S. border policies. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers.
What is Operation Lone Star?
Operation Lone Star is an initiative launched by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2021 aimed at reducing illegal border crossings and enhancing security along the Texas border.
Why are Cubans being returned to Mexico under the new policy?
Under the new policy signed by President Biden, Cubans, along with Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans, will be returned to Mexico if they cross the border illegally. They can only seek asylum if they have an appointment via the CBP One platform.
What are the sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act?
Sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act give the President the authority to suspend the entry of certain non-citizens into the United States if deemed necessary.