Migrants crossing the Texas-Mexico border now encounter wristbands, revealing Mexican drug cartels’ systematic efforts to control and profit from crossings.
Cartels’ Systematic Control at the Border
Mexican cartels increasingly employ colored wristbands to regulate migrant crossings into the United States through Texas. This system has been discovered at various entry points, notably at Eagle Pass, where remnants of these wristbands are regularly found. Each color represents specific crossing zones and transit fees, effectively organizing and managing the flow of migrants, a task primarily orchestrated by the Cartel del Noreste.
Migrants who opt out of paying fees stand at risk, primarily because the wristbands serve as evidence of financial transaction to smugglers. Those without wristbands face dire consequences, both from cartel members and during their perilous journey across the border.
The cartel is giving migrants colored bracelets as a way to keep track of people trying to cross the border, a Texas DPS agent tells NewsNation's @AliBradleyTV.
MORE: https://t.co/zgjvt5P067 pic.twitter.com/jY8OIqytXV
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) October 22, 2024
Significant Activity at Eagle Pass
In recent developments, Eagle Pass has seen a high concentration of wristbands, indicating an elevated level of control and coordination by the cartels in this region. The phenomenon attracts attention due to its implications for border security and migrant safety.
“We’ve always seen that in those areas. We’ve never seen that in Eagle Pass. That tells us it’s more controlled, more coordinated by the cartels.” – Lt. Chris Olivarez
The methodical wristband system also aligns with the consistent number of migrants crossing daily, further exemplifying the need for heightened scrutiny and strategic countermeasures at the border.
BORDER UPDATE: Out this morning in Eagle Pass, Texas, showing areas along the Rio Grande recently used for illegal crossings involving special interest immigrants & unaccompanied children. @TxDPS Troopers & National Guard forces have secured the area, preventing illegal border… pic.twitter.com/YlVsI89vo1
— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) October 22, 2024
Implications for National Security
Despite a slight decrease in numbers, Texas continues to grapple with an average of 2,000 illegal migrants entering per day, including about 300 through Eagle Pass. Of critical concern is the rise of special interest migrants flagged for possible national security risks due to their travel patterns and origins from countries such as Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.
“If they have a blue one, they can only cross in this area. If they have a red one, they can only cross in that area.” – Lt. Chris Olivarez
