By Nicole Maxwell, NM Political Report
The U.S. Border Patrol issued a statement Wednesday for International Migrants’ Day refuting rumors about the southwest border being open.
“Rumors circulating on social media that areas between the ports of entry on the southwest border will be open for migration due to the International Migrant’s Day are patently false,” a Border Patrol press release states. “The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector continues to warn migrants not to listen to misinformation being circulated by transnational criminal organizations about entering the United States illegally between the ports of entry.”
The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector covers the entire New Mexico border with Mexico and provides law enforcement support.
“The U.S. Border Patrol wants to reiterate, illegally crossing the border in the El Paso Sector can be extremely dangerous,” the Border Patrol news release states. “The El Paso Sector continues to enforce U.S. immigration law and applies consequences to those who illegally cross the border between the ports of entry and do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States.”
The El Paso Sector recorded 176 deaths and 981 rescues during fiscal year 2024, the news release states.
International Migrants’ Day is celebrated on Dec. 18 and was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990.
The day aims to highlight the contributions made by migrants and the challenges they face, such as crime, climate-related disasters and economic woes.