El Paso Struggles to Provide Aid to Record Number of Migrants at U.S.-Mexico Border

Local officials and volunteers in El Paso, Texas are concerned about their ability to help the increasing number of migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. officials have reported a record increase in unauthorized arrivals, and the imminent end of Title 42 border restrictions have left migrants confused about how the looming shift in U.S. policy will affect them.

Outside of a homeless shelter in downtown El Paso, hundreds of migrants have been camping out in recent weeks, and fear and confusion are palpable in the air. On Wednesday, more than 20,000 migrants were in Border Patrol custody, prompting officials to authorize the quick release of some migrants found not to be a threat to public safety or national security.

This week, Border Patrol processed more than 10,000 migrants each day across the southern border, setting all-time records for 24-hour periods. Men, women and children have been gathering under white Red Cross tarps to provide shade from the hot weather, sitting on cots and pieces of flat cardboard topped with donated sheets.

One migrant, José, asked that his full name not be used for fear of retribution from immigration authorities. He is trying to reach his wife and 4-year-old daughter in Atlanta, after they were separated. José and other migrants are uncertain about how the policy changes will affect their future.

Local officials and volunteers are struggling to provide aid to the increasing number of migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. The end of Title 42 border restrictions has left migrants confused and uncertain about their future, as the U.S. Border Patrol has set all-time records for 24-hour periods in processing migrants.