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Last week, Texas authorities caught human smugglers trying to fly four illegal immigrants on a private plane, who had most likely paid for VIP packages to get into the US. These illegal immigrants, two men and two women, were seen walking onto the tarmac at Gulf Aviation in Harlingen with their luggage in hand.
The interception of the private jet was made possible by intelligence officials who acted promptly. The US Border Patrol later arrested the four migrants and the two pilots. It is important to mention that the experience of these individuals stands in stark contrast to the conditions that many migrants usually experience while crossing the border and travelling further in the country.
The US Border Patrol has described the use of a private plane as unconventional. They did not reveal the flight’s destination. It is likely that these migrants paid large sums of money to gain access to this particular form of transportation.
According to a law-enforcement source not involved in the investigation, most migrants usually pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for the services of so-called ‘coyotes,’ who smuggle them across the border using cramped and often dangerous vehicles. The source estimates that the VIP treatment these four migrants enjoyed may have cost each of them $20,000.
Cartels in the past have been known to offer VIP packages to illegal migrants willing to pay more. Two migrants who passed away as a result of heat exhaustion last summer in San Antonio, Texas, had each purchased a VIP package. Pablo Ortega and Julio Lopez paid $13,000 and $12,000, respectively, to coyotes who advertised a luxury smuggling package that included boat passage across the river that separates the US and Mexico, a stay in an upscale ranch, as well as pizza, beer, and video games. However, after arriving in the US, smugglers locked the men in the back of an 18-wheeler without air conditioning or water. Several hours passed before they became two of the 53 migrants who died from heat exhaustion in the deadliest smuggling attempt in history.
The prices human smugglers charge their clients differ according to the level of comfort. VIP packages that use private planes or luxurious vehicles are available to those who can afford them. However, for the majority of illegal immigrants, travelling with coyotes translates into cramped and often dangerous conditions, with little food or water as well as no clear indication as to where they are heading.
The use of chartered airplanes for smuggling purposes is not common, but it is not unheard of, according to a former Border Patrol Agent. Thaddeus Cleveland has said that he had seen similar incidents before. Alien migrants would show up at smaller airports in San Angelo and other parts of the US before being flown to other locations. Although it is uncommon, it is a definite concern and one that needs to be taken seriously.
Perhaps the most glaring issue in all of this is that the US borders seem to be wide open, with illegal immigrants coming in, as reported cases may suggest, whenever and however they want. This often begs the question as to whether there are any real concerns of safety amongst the American public. In nearly all cases, smuggled immigrants are people who have not gone through any of the mandatory tests to ensure they are not potential threats to US citizens. This should be a matter of huge concern for immigration officials and law enforcement alike.
It remains unclear what consequences human smugglers who engage in such activities would face if caught. Would the VIP clients or their coyote smugglers also face the same consequences? This is an important question that needs to be answered. Law enforcement agencies need to be able to send a clear message to smugglers and potential clients, letting them know there are harsh consequences for breaking the law.
The Biden administration’s border policy has come under scrutiny in recent months, with reports of rising illegal immigration rates and accusations of turning a blind eye to the issue. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called the situation a ‘crisis.’ He frequently blames the federal government for failing to secure their borders, allowing criminals and smugglers to enter the country without any accountability. This is why so many Americans are upset and concerned – they want the government to take control of the situation and keep all US citizens safe from potential threats.
Americans all over the country are wondering how the situation with illegal migration at the Mexican and US borders will be resolved and what they can expect to happen in the coming years. Many conservative Americans expect the government to be proactive in preventing illegal migration and securing borders in order to reduce the risk of illegal activity and harm to US citizens.
According to former President Donald Trump, the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policy has encouraged illegal immigration and contributed to the severity of the crisis at the border. President Trump’s policy, on the other hand, required individuals attempting to cross the border to stay in Mexico until their court hearing.
While many people have strong opinions and ideas about the situation, the fact remains that border security and migration policy are complicated topics that require a thorough overhaul. The question that many people are asking is whether the Biden administration is doing enough to tackle the issue and keep citizens safe. Unfortunately, the future is uncertain.
Putting the politics aside, it’s essential to understand that illegal migration is not just an issue that affects conservative Americans. It has the potential to harm people all across the country, regardless of their political beliefs. It is a complex issue, and both local and federal authorities need to come up with a solution that keeps all US citizens safe.
It is also important to address the issue of why so many people feel compelled to take the risk of entering the US illegally. It is not just for economic reasons but often because they fear for their lives in their native countries. Although this does not justify breaking the law, it highlights the need for comprehensive and compassionate immigration policies that take into account both national security and human dignity.
To conclude, it is important that border authorities and law enforcement agencies remain vigilant in tackling illegal migration, and provide citizens with a greater sense of security. It is also crucial that policymakers work towards a solution that is both practical and ethical, providing proper safety measures for citizens, while also recognizing that many migrants are fleeing harrowing situations in their home countries. Immigration is a complex topic, and people who come from different political perspectives must work together to come up with a solution that serves both American citizens and those who desire to come to America.
