Drug cartels send surge of migrants to rush southern border to overwhelm and distract officers

Mexican drug cartels are attempting to overwhelm and distract Border Patrol officers by sending mobs of migrants to rush the southern border, the New York Post reported Monday.

Sources told the outlet that cartels have been fueling false online rumors, telling migrants hoping to seek asylum in the United States that they will be allowed into the country. According to law enforcement officials, the alleged falsehoods are meant to distract overworked Border Patrol officers while the cartels attempt to sneak drugs across the southern in less populated areas.

Fox News Digital reported that more than 2,200 migrants illegally rushed across the southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Monday morning. After crossing, the group was processed by Border Patrol agents.

Customs and Border Protection posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, "Under U.S. immigration laws, most noncitizens coming to our border are not eligible to remain in the United States. Asylum laws do not provide for relief solely for economic reasons or for general violence."

Sources told the Post that El Paso, Texas, has also experienced a surge in migrants in recent weeks, with approximately 1,700 daily encounters since Thursday.

Law enforcement officials claimed that drug cartels are spreading inaccurate information about immigration laws and the Biden administration's CBP One app.

"They're circulating false information that anyone waiting for a CBP One appointment can turn themselves in and get asylum," a law enforcement official told the Post.

In a statement to the outlet, CBP said it "is aware of reports that criminal organizations in the El Paso, Texas/Juarez, Mexico areas are spreading falsehoods and putting migrants' lives at risk for their own financial gain."

"These rumors are absolutely false and yet another dangerous example of bad actors sharing bad information. The border is not open to illegal migration," CBP added.

El Paso City Councilmember Claudia Rodriguez told the outlet that she believes the cartel is intentionally directing mobs to the border to "overwhelm the system." Rodriguez noted that the border communities are impacted the most by the surge in encounters.

Earlier this year, rumors circulated online that migrants could enter the United States by surrendering to Border Patrol and requesting asylum. As a result, waves of approximately 1,000 migrants flooded the southern border near El Paso in March, hoping to be at "the front of the line." Border Patrol agents used riot gear, concrete barriers, and barbed wire to hold back the mob.

The migrants reported seeing a post on social media that claimed individuals with extreme circumstances or with children would be allowed to enter the U.S. Law enforcement officials speculated that the cartels were likely behind the social media posts.

Last week, CBP's El Paso Office of Field Operations announced that it would be temporarily suspending cargo processing at the Bridge of the Americas, according to Fox News Digital. The agency closed down the port of entry on Monday and has not provided a reopening date.

"The temporary suspension at BOTA will allow CBP's Office of Field Operations officers to assist the U.S. Border Patrol in processing noncitizens who have arrived between the ports of entry including vulnerable populations like families and unaccompanied children," CBP said. "CBP regularly plans for and executes contingency measures, such as this, to support the overarching agency mission and ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in the agency's custody."

"The BOTA cargo lot is typically open from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the suspension of service, members of the trade community may consider the nearby Ysleta, Santa Teresa, or Marcelino Serna (Tornillo) cargo facilities as alternative entry points," the agency added.

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