Mexican cartels exploit US CBP One app.
EXCLUSIVE: Mexican Government Allows Immigrants to Travel to US Border Through Exploited CBP One App
The Mexican government has made a surprising decision to allow immigrants entering the country from Guatemala to continue their journey to the United States border if they have obtained an appointment on the U.S. government’s CBP One phone app, according to the Washington Examiner.
While this move may initially seem beneficial for the United States, it has inadvertently provided an opportunity for Mexican cartels to exploit the app’s security measures. These cartels have found a way to request unlimited appointments for individuals worldwide, surpassing the app’s intended “northern Mexico” geofence.
Cartels Exploit App’s Vulnerabilities
Former acting Department of Homeland Security secretary, Chad Wolf, expressed concern over the administration’s lack of understanding regarding the lengths cartels will go to exploit the border security measures. As the administration continues to establish “legal pathways,” it inadvertently aids the cartels in their operations.
An extensive investigation revealed that the Mexican government’s National Immigration Institute ordered immigration officials to turn away non-Mexican citizens without a CBP One app appointment. Checkpoints were set up in the southern state of Chiapas, resulting in arrests.
However, cartels have managed to manipulate the app’s policies to their advantage. By overpowering the app, they profit from immigrants seeking entry into Mexico. Once immigrants arrive at the Guatemala-Mexico border or in Chiapas, the INM allows them to proceed.
“Mexico will certainly let people through if they have an appointment, they’re sort of counting that as a de facto transit visa,” said Adam Isacson, director of defense oversight for the Washington Office for Latin America. “It’s sabotage, and they know very well that people can’t normally get an appointment unless they’re north of Mexico City.”
Cartels have been selling immigrants a service that provides them with an internet connection through a virtual private network (VPN). By routing the device’s internet connection through a private service, the app cannot detect the user’s location in northern Mexico.
Josh Trevino, chief of intelligence and research for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, stated that this operation has allowed cartels to profit immensely, potentially with kickbacks to the Mexican government. The Mexican requirement has become a lucrative cash grab for the cartels.
Smugglers openly advertise their VPN services in southern Mexico and on social media, targeting Haitians, Cubans, and Hondurans.
Impact on Border Encounters
The emergence of VPNs may be a contributing factor to the 30% increase in border encounters by U.S. authorities in July. This sudden surge in encounters, despite historically being a slow time, has raised concerns.
Since the introduction of the CBP One app, immigrants south of Mexico City had no legal means to enter the U.S. if they crossed the border illegally. The app’s geofencing parameters complicated the cartels’ operations and affected their profits.
However, cartels quickly discovered the app’s vulnerabilities and the lack of security measures against VPN usage. This allowed them to charge immigrants additional fees for guaranteed entry into Mexico, attracting more people from outside the country to travel to the U.S.
A DHS official clarified that the app uses phone location rather than IP addresses. They also warned that advertisements for VPN services by bad actors are likely scams.
Call for Strategic Solutions
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of Commissioner Troy Miller have expressed concern over the cartels’ exploitation of the app but have not presented a plan to combat it.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s office emphasized the need for legislative action to address the consequences of the Biden administration’s open border policies. They called for the passage of the Secure the Border Act, which aims to crack down on cartels and the abuse of the CBP One app.
Mexico’s INM did not respond to a request for comment.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...