Texas National Guard Deploys Riot Gear Soldiers to Address Illegal Crossings at US-Mexico Border

The Biden administration has taken decisive action to address the issue of mass illegal border crossings between the United States and Mexico as the Title 42 pandemic-era emergency policy is set to expire. In response, the Texas National Guard has deployed soldiers outfitted in riot gear to a major illegal crossing point in Brownsville, Texas.

Additionally, a specialized TX Border Response force has been assembled to repel mass crossings, marking a significant effort to tackle the ongoing challenge of illegal border crossings.

Biden Administration Implements Sweeping Restriction on Asylum

In a move expected to face legal challenges, the Biden administration has finalized a new regulation that will significantly restrict asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. The regulation, published just before the expiration of the Title 42 policy, disqualifies migrants from U.S. protection if they fail to request refugee status in another country, such as Mexico, on their journey to the southern border. The rule represents a departure from President Biden’s campaign promise to restore access to the U.S. asylum system.

New Policy Shifts Away from Biden’s Campaign Promise on Asylum

The Biden administration’s new asylum rule marks a significant policy shift and has drawn comparisons to a Trump-era policy that was struck down in federal court. If upheld, the rule will disqualify most non-Mexican migrants who enter the U.S. between ports of entry from seeking asylum.

Migrants will need to prove they previously requested protection in a third country to be eligible for asylum. The rule aims to address the strain on the asylum system caused by historic levels of migrant arrivals.

Advocates and ACLU Plan Legal Challenges Against Asylum Restriction

The new asylum restriction has faced criticism from advocates, progressives, and former Biden officials who argue that it undermines U.S. asylum law. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) plans to file a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s rule, similar to its efforts against the Trump administration’s policies. The ACLU and other opponents claim that the restriction denies migrants their right to request refuge, regardless of how they entered the country.