Border Patrol chief announces more than 18,000 'known gotaways' within 16 days

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens reported that there were more than 18,000 "known gotaways" during the first 16 days of fiscal year 2024.

"Over 18K known gotaways in the first 16 days of FY24. These are individuals whose identities & purpose we do not know. That is why you need every Border Patrol agent to be in the field and on patrol," Owens noted.

Fiscal year 2024 will run from October 2023 through the end of September 2024.

Responding to the statistic, GOP Rep. Chip Roy of Texas described the situation as "an existential crisis."

"These are people purposely evading apprehension despite mass catch and release taking place," Fox News reporter Bill Melugin tweeted.

The entry of thousands of unknown individuals into the U.S. represents a public safety and national security risk, since some of the entrants could potentially be nefarious actors who were able to slip into the U.S.

Authorities regularly catch dangerous people attempting to enter the country.

"Yesterday, USBP agents in El Paso arrested a Venezuelan national, who is a suspected Tren de Araguas gang member. He was also incarcerated for murder & theft in his native country," Owens tweeted on October 3.

"This past weekend, USBP agents interdicted 4 convicted sex offenders from re-entering our country illegally," Owens tweeted on October 2. He listed their convictions as, "Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child," "Criminal Sexual Act on a Child," "Murder, Rape, or Sexual Abuse of a Minor Liberties w/ Child," and "Sex w/ a Minor."

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