The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) encountered a 4-year-old boy among a group of suspected unlawful migrants in the early morning of April 12. Reportedly, the individuals were found with two bundles of marijuana weighing around 116 pounds and valued at more than $93,000.
According to a press release from CBP, agents spotted a group of approximately fifteen individuals crossing the border near Roma, Texas. Agents observed some carrying large bundles that raised suspicion. The individuals loaded into a Ford Expedition in an area commonly associated with the pick-up of unlawful migrants and narcotics.
Agents approached the vehicle, and allegedly all occupants immediately fled into the brush. The marijuana was seized, and thirteen unlawful migrants were apprehended. The driver was not among those caught.
The 4-year-old boy was with his mother from Guatemala. The other unlawful migrants apprehended were from Mexico, Central America, and the Dominican Republic.
The release did not detail the 4-year-old and his mother’s relationship with the alleged drug smugglers.
The situation at the Southern border is expected to become even more difficult for border patrol agents. According to Governor Greg Abbott, the end of Title 42 restrictions on May 23 could bring an influx of unlawful migrants into Texas. Title 42 gives sweeping powers to CBP agents to turn back potential lawful and unlawful migrants to Mexico without a hearing.
In response, Abbott, who is currently campaigning for his third term as Governor, has prioritized his immigration policies. He temporarily increased truck inspections at the border and began busing processed migrants to Washington, D.C., to protest the end of Title 42 without a clear alternative.
“If he’s not going to come to the border, we’re going to take the border to him,” Abbott said.
Abbott’s rival in the gubernatorial election, Democrat Beto O’Rourke, agreed with Abbott that a plan for the influx of migrants needs to be in place before the end of Title 42.