Mexican cartels exploit immigrants to distract Border Patrol from drug smuggling, says chief.

Border Patrol Chief Frustrated as Agents Pulled⁤ from Guarding Against Drugs and Criminals to Process Immigrants

The head of‍ the U.S. Border ⁤Patrol, ‍Jason Owens, expressed his⁤ frustration‌ as federal​ law enforcement agents ⁣were ⁤diverted from their ​duty of guarding against⁣ drugs ‌like fentanyl and dangerous⁣ criminals to ⁢process ​the influx of immigrants crossing‍ the border. Owens emphasized that it is not the responsibility of‍ the 19,000 Border Patrol agents nationwide to handle the intake of immigrants‌ who ⁣enter⁢ the country illegally. He believes ​that organized crime groups in Mexico have intentionally orchestrated this diversion⁣ to keep agents out of the field.

“I believe it’s a money-making opportunity for those smugglers, and I believe it’s a distraction to cross ⁣other things into⁣ the country … narcotics, fentanyl, ⁢bulk cash, weapons, people of interest, ‌whether it be‌ hardened criminals, gang members, ⁣convicted sexual predators,” Owens told ABC ⁢News’s This ⁤Week in an interview that ⁤aired Monday.

Owens explained that⁢ Mexican cartels have not only taken advantage of the Border Patrol’s distraction but ⁤have‌ also initiated it. By pulling agents⁣ from the field, cartels have created vast open ⁢spaces for the‌ undetected ‍movement ​of criminals, bulk cash, weapons, and drugs across the border.

Illegal immigration‌ has hit certain regions along the ⁢2,000-mile southern border harder than others. Areas such as Arizona’s Tucson region, El Paso, Eagle Pass, Del ⁣Rio, and the Rio Grande Valley of ⁣Texas have experienced significant increases ​in the ​number of immigrants ⁣apprehended after ‍crossing illegally.

In‌ Eagle Pass, a remote town in south-central Texas, Border Patrol was‍ overwhelmed by the daily influx⁣ of thousands of immigrants crossing the ​Rio Grande. Overflow rooms were packed, and thousands of people were‍ held under an international⁢ bridge while waiting‍ to be transported to federal facilities.

“In terms of ‍flow and the threats that we’re ⁤seeing with fentanyl and with criminal organizations that are our adversary, it’s about ​as bad ‍as I’ve ever seen,” Owens said. “A lot of times‌ our facilities are already over capacity.”

Last week, ⁢the Eagle Pass/Del Rio region had over 3,000 people in custody, exceeding the capacity to detain only 1,800​ individuals. The chief of Border Patrol emphasized ​that the agency cannot sustainably ​respond to ​such a high level of illegal crossings.

“This isn’t ⁣sustainable. This is up and down — the system — everybody is ‌overwhelmed,​ even the ⁤government‍ of​ Mexico, which has been great partners for us, the U.S. ⁢Border Patrol,” Owens said.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Owens stated that agents cannot deter⁢ or turn away immigrants, as the U.S. Border Patrol is a law enforcement agency that⁣ enforces ‌the ​laws in place‍ and respects due process for individuals on U.S. soil.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Arizona later this week, but it remains uncertain if he will⁤ also visit the southern border during his trip.

How does diverting Border Patrol agents ⁢from their primary duties pose a threat to national ⁤security?

Ulling agents away from their primary duties, cartels are ​able to smuggle in illegal drugs, weapons, and even individuals with criminal backgrounds. Owens emphasized the seriousness of ⁢this⁤ situation, stating ‌that ‌it poses a significant threat to national security.

The ‍main concern for​ Border⁤ Patrol agents ‌is the influx of immigrants⁣ crossing the border illegally. While immigration processing is necessary, it should not detract from their primary mission of combating ⁣drug trafficking and apprehending⁤ dangerous criminals. Owens emphasized that ⁤the responsibility of processing immigrants⁤ should be delegated to other agencies that specialize‍ in immigration enforcement.

According to Owens, the diversion of agents to immigration processing has ⁤caused a strain on resources ⁤and ⁢compromised the effectiveness of border security. The ⁢limited resources available are being stretched thin as ⁣agents are forced to shift their focus away from the critical task of intercepting drugs and criminals. ‌This diversion⁢ not ⁤only allows criminals to exploit weaknesses in border security but also puts the safety ⁣of border communities at risk.

Furthermore,⁤ this diversion tactic employed ⁤by⁢ Mexican​ cartels highlights the extent of their ⁢power and influence. By intentionally ⁣orchestrating a distraction, they are able to manipulate‌ and exploit the vulnerabilities in the border⁣ security system. Owens stressed the need for a comprehensive‍ and coordinated effort to combat this issue, involving not only the Border ⁣Patrol but also other law enforcement agencies at local, state, and federal levels.

In response to this issue,⁣ Owens has called for ⁣increased ⁢support​ and resources to address ⁤the growing challenges faced ‌by the Border Patrol. This includes additional funding for‍ the recruitment and ‌training⁢ of more agents, ‌as well as enhanced ​technology and infrastructure​ along ⁣the​ border. He⁤ also⁤ stressed the importance of cooperation with international partners, particularly Mexico, to ⁢tackle the ⁣organized crime networks behind this diversion tactic.

In conclusion, the frustration expressed by Border Patrol Chief⁢ Jason Owens highlights the seriousness of‍ the issue at hand. The diversion of agents from their primary duty of guarding against drugs and criminals ​to process immigrants⁣ not only⁢ undermines ⁤border security but also ⁣enables criminal networks to thrive. It is imperative that appropriate measures‌ are taken‍ to address ‌this issue and​ ensure the safety and security of the nation’s borders.

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