CBP Agents Encounter Suspected Illegal Immigrants, Including Armed Ones

The Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents encountered five human smuggling attempts this past weekend that resulted in the apprehension of over 63 undocumented people utilizing tractor-trailers at the I-35 Border Patrol checkpoint.

A record check revealed that they were from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. They were medically screened and processed accordingly. U.S> Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a press release, it has welcomed assistance from the community. Citizens were urged to report any suspicious activity to the CBP while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.

Similarly, just before 5 p.m. on Oct. 25, while agents were performing routine patrol operations deep in the San Ysidro Mountains, almost just a stone’s throw from the U.S.-Mexico border in California, they encountered four people carrying AR-15-style rifles loaded with high-capacity magazines.

Fox News reported that the suspected illegal immigrants were spotted approximately 12 miles east of the San Ysidro port of entry. This is one of the most heavily used land border crossings around the world. Authorities recovered four AR-15-style rifles and 17 loaded AR-15 magazines after scouring the area. The weapons and ammunition were transported for processing.

Meanwhile, Colorado Republican Senate candidate Joe O’Dea visited the U.S. southern border this week. He said that the migrant crisis is overwhelming as the border continues to be a top concern ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. He called for a comprehensive solution. Also, O’Dea praised the efforts of law enforcement but said they were low on money in particular.

O'Dea said, "They get their heads down, they grind, and they're trying to do the best they can." "We're all border states now," O’Dea added. "We've got the drugs, the methamphetamine, the fentanyl coming straight up I-25 into Colorado for those drugs that get through the border down here."

Republicans have been slamming the Biden administration on border security, even candidates and legislators who are not in border states. This shows that the effects of illegal migration and drug smuggling are felt throughout the country.

Border Patrol agents have had more than 2.3 million migrant encounters in the fiscal year 2022, with more than 227,000 in September alone. That’s on top of the more than 1.7 million encounters in FY 2021.