A group of 2,000 migrants is reportedly making its way to the U.S. border, potentially signaling the beginning of a wave of attempted crossings as the presidential election approaches. Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center, expressed concerns that any agreements made with Mexico to reduce migration flow before the election may end shortly after the election.
According to sources, around 2,000 migrants left Mexico's border on Sunday, with some admitting that they are undertaking the journey due to fears about the election outcome. One migrant stated, 'Whoever wins (in the United States election) should not close the doors to us, [they] should give us the support we need, because we are all really going through a bad time.'
Ries anticipates a potential surge in migration between election day and the presidential inauguration if former President Donald Trump defeats Vice President Kamala Harris. She highlighted that migrants might be apprehensive about Trump taking stricter measures to secure the southern border.
Border security has emerged as a critical issue for voters leading up to the election, particularly after a record number of illegal crossings during President Biden's tenure. Vice President Harris, tasked with addressing the root causes of migration, has faced scrutiny for her role as the 'border czar.'
Republicans have criticized Harris for her handling of border security, while she has pledged to implement more stringent enforcement actions. During a September event in Arizona, Harris stated, 'Those who cross our borders unlawfully will be apprehended and removed and barred from re-entering for five years.'
Conversely, Trump has emphasized border security and immigration in his campaign, promising significant deportation measures. He has vowed to execute the 'largest mass deportation in the history of our country.'
