In a confidential memo obtained by Fox News, Border Patrol agents in the San Diego sector have been directed to release single adult migrants from nearly all Eastern Hemisphere countries, categorizing them as "hard" or "very hard" to deport.
This directive follows President Biden's recent executive order, which largely prohibits asylum for illegal immigrants.
According to Fox News, the memo was disseminated in the wake of Biden's executive order, which came into effect last week. The President announced the order, stating, "I am moving past Republican obstruction and using executive authorities available to me as president to do what I can on my own to address the border."
The memo, initially reported by Anna Giaritelli of the Washington Examiner, instructs agents to process all single adults from the Eastern Hemisphere via "NTA/OR," standing for Notice to Appear/released on Own Recognizance. The only exceptions are migrants from Russia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Moldova, and Kyrgyzstan, which are designated as "mandatory referral" countries.
With over 100 countries in the Eastern Hemisphere, this means that despite the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and President Biden's warnings of repercussions and pledges to deport migrants who cross illegally under the new executive order, the vast majority of migrants in the San Diego sector are being released into the U.S.
Fox News has consistently documented Border Patrol buses discharging hundreds of migrants at a San Diego trolley station. Additionally, there are numerous countries that the U.S. government deems "recalcitrant," refusing to cooperate with U.S. deportation flights and declining to repatriate their citizens.
In a recent DHS call with reporters, the agency admitted the challenges they face in deporting certain Eastern Hemisphere countries but assured that they are negotiating with these countries, including China, to secure their cooperation.
Despite the executive order's portrayal, the mass catch-and-release continues in the short term. The presidential proclamation will temporarily halt the entry of migrants across the southern border once the average number of border encounters surpasses 2,500 a day over a week, according to officials. This is accompanied by a rule from DHS and the Department of Justice that will heighten asylum standards.
However, this rule is not without significant exceptions. It does not apply to legal immigrants, unaccompanied children, or those deemed to be "victims of severe forms of trafficking." It also excludes those who schedule an appointment on the CBP One app at a port of entry, where approximately 1,500 enter each day.
There is also a provision for those permitted to enter "based on the totality of the circumstances, including consideration of significant law enforcement, officer and public safety, urgent humanitarian and public health interests that warrant permitting the noncitizen to enter."
Login