Government shifts migrants from California to other states election
Migrants moved from California to Arizona and Texas amid election concerns
The federal government has been transporting illegal immigrants apprehended at California’s congested southern border to other states, instead of potentially releasing them onto the streets, according to a local official. This action comes amid concerns about the political impact just weeks before the November election.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond stated that the U.S. Border Patrol indicated the possible resumption of migrant releases last week. He noted that approximately 155,000 migrants were released in San Diego between September 2023 and June.
Until June, migrants in San Diego were dropped off at the Iris Avenue train station. Currently, three buses leave the county daily, transporting migrants to Yuma, Arizona. Additionally, three to four planes fly illegal immigrants weekly from San Diego to McAllen, Texas, where facilities are not at capacity.
Officials informed me that street releases were set to resume again last Friday in San Diego County. In a blatant attempt to protect their image before the election, the Federal Government has opted to quietly transfer migrants out of state instead of addressing the real issue.… pic.twitter.com/OJ7TVBGlzB
— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) October 21, 2024
Desmond believes the federal government is attempting to avoid negative optics by transporting migrants out of the area instead of street releases. He suggested that resuming the drop-off process could be politically damaging, and thus, it may be postponed until after the election.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Border Patrol regarding this issue. Desmond recalled that mass releases of migrants in San Diego previously overwhelmed local services and resources.
He also mentioned that aside from those crossing the border, some migrants arrive by boats that land on the shore. San Diego has long been a preferred crossing point due to its proximity to Tijuana, Mexico. From Oct. 6 to Oct. 12, the San Diego Sector reported 3,016 migrant apprehensions from 59 countries and 96 unaccompanied minor encounters.
In a video posted online, Desmond stated that the migrant situation in the San Diego Sector is less visible but involves more clandestine activities.
He pointed out that Republican Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas faced significant criticism from Democrats for flying migrants to other parts of the country.
The Border Patrol has been transporting some migrants from San Diego to other southern border cities for processing, reversing a previous practice where San Diego handled overflow from other areas.
President Biden’s administration has faced considerable criticism over border policies. In June, Biden issued an executive action to limit new entries into the United States, resulting in a significant drop in encounters by over 50%. Despite this, Biden emphasised the need for a bipartisan border bill from Congress. Vice President Kamala Harris has also faced scrutiny over the border crisis.
In an interview, Harris highlighted a 2021 immigration bill proposed at the start of the administration, aimed at creating a pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants.
Desmond mentioned feedback from individuals across the political spectrum about the need for checks and balances in the immigration system. He noted confusion, even among Democrats, about the lack of vetting for migrants. He asserted that while immigration is desired, proper vetting is necessary.
Recently, a group of about 2,000 migrants departed Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala, heading towards the U.S. where they may seek asylum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is the federal government transporting illegal immigrants to other states?
To avoid releasing them onto the streets in California and potentially causing political issues before the election.
How many migrants were released in San Diego between September 2023 and June?
Approximately 155,000 migrants.
Where are the migrants being transported from San Diego?
Migrants are sent to Yuma, Arizona by bus and to McAllen, Texas by plane.
What did President Biden do to address new entries into the United States?
He issued an executive action in June to limit new entries, resulting in a significant drop in encounters.
What did Vice President Kamala Harris emphasize about immigration reform?
She highlighted a 2021 bill aimed at creating a pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants.
