Border Crisis
Over 15,000 Migrants Cause Del Rio Food Shortages
On Saturday, a U.S. representative revealed that, because of over 15,000 migrants staying in a tent city under a bridge in Del Rio, the local food supply has started to run out.
According to Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), Del Rio Stores have started to become empty as they were caught unprepared for the sudden influx of people in the area.
On social media, he also said that the situation has quickly deteriorated over the past several days as the number of migrants, with most coming from Haiti, went from around 8,000 to around 15,000.
BREAKING: I am absolutely stunned by what I’m witnessing right now. We are on a boat in the Rio Grande near the Del Rio international bridge and we are watching as masses of hundreds of migrants walk across the river from Mexico and stream into the US illegally. @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/xXE4pDkpIe
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) September 18, 2021
Influx of Migrants in Del Rio Causes Ripple Effects, Food Shortages in the Area
Gonzales also said that agents from border patrol have been doing all that they can, but the need for support is obvious. He also noted that the Department of Homeland Security is expected to deploy 400 more agents to the area so that they can help with the new crisis.
The representative further stated that the DHS has been working to “increase and accelerate” flights to repatriate the migrants back to their country of origin. He said 8 ICE flights will take place this week, which is more than the 2 to 5 flights being done before.
Gonzales then said that Title 43 is still being used as the basis for expelling some migrants. However, others will be released to the interior of the U.S. while they wait for immigration processing. He then described the policy as “disastrous” and promised to continue pushing for the adaptation of the Remain in Mexico policy.
The Texas representative then revealed that the ICE and CBP will transport the migrants to other processing areas so that some of the burden from Del Rio will be lifted.
Additionally, he revealed the shortage of housing for the border patrol agents being deployed to Del Rio. He said his office is looking for every way possible to provide these agents shelter during their stay in the area.
After this, Gonzales said that the newest border crisis has started to have a notable impact on businesses in the area and their ability to provide for the community. He said he has been receiving messages from members of the local community about the ripple effects caused by the issue.
The representative confirmed food shortages in grocery stores and restaurants closing early to help cook food for the camp. He also said there is a shortage of help.
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