President Biden and former President Trump both visited the border this week amidst the escalating migrant crisis. Critics noted the contrast in their visits, with Biden going to a less trafficked area while Trump visited a busier location. Immigration has emerged as a key issue for the upcoming election, with new border numbers revealing over 7,000 migrant encounters in the last 24 hours.
The busiest sectors in the past day were Tucson with over 1,800 encounters, followed by San Diego with 1,200. Biden visited the Rio Grande Valley, where there were 350 encounters, while Trump went to El Rio, where there were 300. Biden called for bipartisan border legislation, urging Republicans to act in the interest of the American people. In contrast, Trump labeled the situation as a 'Biden migrant crime' and criticized the administration for what he termed an 'invasion'.
In a recent incident in Eagle Pass, two female smugglers from Oklahoma were apprehended along with three migrants. This event underscores the ongoing challenges at the border, whether migrants surrender themselves or attempt to evade authorities with the help of smugglers.
There is speculation about a potential executive order to address the border situation, though details remain unclear. Some lawmakers, like Democratic Congressman Ami Bera, are hopeful that President Biden may announce such an order during the upcoming State of the Union address. The need for decisive action to address the complex issues at the border is evident, as officials express concerns about the evolving dynamics of migration and smuggling activities.
