In a recent development, authorities in Maverick County, Texas, have detained a group of over 200 illegal immigrants, as reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The group comprised of 204 individuals, including 57 unaccompanied minors aged between 8 and 17. These children were found carrying pieces of paper bearing addresses from various states across the U.S.
As reported by Newsweek, the group also included three "special-interest immigrants" from Mali. This term is used to denote individuals from countries or regions that are perceived to have potential links to terrorism or pose security threats, as identified by U.S. national security agencies.
Lieutenant Chris Olivarez, a spokesperson for the DPS-South Texas, expressed his concern over the situation. "The images of unaccompanied children show the humanitarian reality of the precarious journey these children make from their home countries to the U.S.," Olivarez said. He further added, "Criminal predators exploit these children and leverage their power and control over them. Our men and women of TXDPS remain steadfast in ensuring safety and security when they encounter children crossing the TX-MX border."
The issue of illegal immigration and border security has become a focal point in the national discourse, especially with the 2024 presidential election looming on November 5. Polls suggest that Americans trust former president Donald Trump more than Vice President Kamala Harris on matters concerning immigration policy.
This incident follows a similar event on October 14, when Texas officials discovered another large group of illegal immigrants in Maverick County. This group included 23 unaccompanied children and 22 special interest immigrants from Egypt and Turkey. Maverick County is situated in South Texas on the U.S.-Mexico border, directly opposite the city of Piedras Negras.
Earlier, on October 11, troopers discovered a group of 165 illegal immigrants in Quemado, just outside of Eagle Pass. This group included 14 special interest immigrants from Iran, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with 29 unaccompanied children.
The DPS troopers are part of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star, a program aimed at combating illegal immigration, as well as drug and human trafficking. Since its inception in 2021, the operation has led to the apprehension of over 521,100 undocumented immigrants and more than 47,400 criminal arrests, including over 41,000 felony charges.
The office of Governor Abbott reports that Texas has reduced illegal crossings into the state by over 86%. Abbott has employed measures such as razor wire, buoy barriers, and local troops to deter the influx of migrants entering the U.S. from the southern border. This approach aligns with conservative values of limited government and individual freedom, emphasizing the importance of maintaining national security and sovereignty.
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