The issue of mass migration of over 125,000 migrants being released without proper vetting in San Diego County in just six months is causing significant concern. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond has raised alarm about the overwhelming surge of border crossings in Southern California and the potential dire consequences for the rest of the country. The lack of resources has led to migrants simply walking across the border unimpeded due to gaps in the border wall and enforcement issues on both sides. Desmond has voiced concerns about the lack of time and resources for proper vetting by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), resulting in a significant number of migrants being released into the US without adequate checks.
The impact of the influx of migrants is visible in San Diego, where migrants are being released and left with nowhere to go, leading to issues such as loitering in the city. The situation has prompted concerns about the lack of basic facilities for migrants in transportation centers where they are dropped off, leading to public health issues such as migrants relieving themselves in public spaces. The San Diego Airport has become a de facto shelter for migrants waiting for flights to other destinations in the US. The strain on local resources and facilities as a result of the surge in migrants demonstrates the need for a more humane and effective process to address the situation.
The surge in migration has also impacted federal agencies such as CBP, which is experiencing record numbers of encounters at the border. The San Diego sector alone saw an 85% increase in encounters in February compared to the previous year, and fiscal year 2023 recorded more than 230,000 encounters. Once migrants step onto US soil, they are entitled to claim asylum and are released into the US with a court date to pursue their asylum claims. The current protocol has raised concerns about the lack of proper vetting and potential risks posed by individuals entering the country without thorough checks.
Desmond has criticized the Biden Administration’s policies for contributing to the challenges faced at the border and emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of laws to ensure proper vetting of migrants. He warned of the potential consequences of not properly vetting migrants, including security risks posed by individuals who may have malicious intents. The case of Laken Riley, a student killed near her campus by a migrant who had been released from custody, serves as a tragic example of the risks associated with inadequate vetting procedures. Les than 24 hours in custody in 2022 Ibarra was given parole and allowed to remain in the US until at least October 2024.
With a record number of migrants being encountered, including individuals on the terror watchlist, there are growing concerns about national security risks posed by unvetted individuals entering the country. Desmond stressed the importance of enforcing current laws to ensure safe and dignified entry into the country. The sheer number of encounters at the border under President Biden has underscored the need for effective border policies and vetting procedures to address the challenges posed by mass migration across the southern border. The call for proper vetting and enforcement of laws echoes the concerns raised by officials like Desmond about the potential consequences of unchecked migration on national security and public safety.
