EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) — A new batch of National Guard members has the authority to arrest migrants.
Chief Patrol Agent Lloyd Easterling, of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Big Bend Sector, deputized members of the Texas Army National Guard, administering the oath of office during a ceremony on Monday at the Alpine Station in Alpine, Texas.
The new designation will allow Guard members to enforce federal immigration laws under Title 8. Before Monday, their main roles were to gather intelligence, observe and provide logistical support.
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection news release, the soldiers now have the authority to apprehend and detain migrants for being in the country illegally and other immigration offenses under the direction and supervision of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
“We share a historic partnership. One that plays a vital role in securing our communities and protecting our fellow Americans—whether overseas or right here at our borders,” Easterling said in a statement. “I appreciate your dedication to this mission and we look forward to continuing our mission alongside you.”
On Thursday, El Paso Sector Interim Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar deputized 60 National Guard members along the border wall in El Paso.
A Texas Department of Public Safety official told KTSM that the soldiers will be stationed wherever needed.
“They’ll be sent to high-threat areas,” West Texas Regional Director Jose Sanchez said. “It’s all going to be determined by Border Patrol. If we have an area such as Mount Cristo Rey, where it’s been a hot spot for a long time, if they feel they need more manpower, then they will direct those forces in that way.”
Mount Cristo Rey is one of the busiest corridors for migrant smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border. It is located where Texas, New Mexico and the Mexican state of Chihuahua meet. Smugglers often use the rugged terrain to hide and avoid border agents. However, the area is also notorious for injuring migrants and deadly falls.
Chief Patrol Agent Jesse D. Muñoz, of the Laredo Sector, will deputize another group of Texas National Guard soldiers on Wednesday in Laredo, Texas.
The ceremony will be at noon in Hangar No. 3 at the Laredo Branch of CBP Air and Marine Operations.