DEL RIO, TX – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) on Saturday released the following update on the migrant site at the International Bridge in Del Rio:

“We are seeing the situation rapidly deteriorate in real time. Since my visit on Thursday morning, numbers have increased from 8,000 to 14,000 people. Border patrol agents are doing everything they can but it's clear they need more support and they need it NOW. 

I have been in talks with US Border Patrol Chief Ortiz and with the White House. Here are actions being taken:

Within 24-48 hours, DHS will have added 400 agents tasked to the Del Rio sector. The Del Rio Port of Entry has closed and traffic rerouted to Eagle Pass.

DHS is also working to increase and accelerate repatriation flights to return migrants to their country of origin. This includes Haitians and Central Americans. There will be a surge of 8 ICE flights this coming week, up from 2-5 flights before, with more flights to be potentially programmed.

Although Title 42 is still being used to expel some migrants, the admin has made it clear that others will still be released in the country while awaiting immigration proceedings. I’ve been clear that this policy is disastrous and will continue to push the admin to resume Remain in Mexico so migrants no longer have an incentive to be released in the US.

ICE and CBP will also be flying migrants to other processing sectors to relieve some of the burden from Del Río. Some will be taken to El Paso, other to Laredo, with possibility for other locations.

There is a shortage of housing for agents that are being sent to Del Rio. We are looking at every option possible to find them shelter while they are there, that could potentially include Laughlin AFB. Collaboration is key right now.

I am continuing to get messages from our Del Rio community on the ripple effects of this crisis. There are food shortages in grocery stores and restaurants have been asked to close early to make food for the camp. Workers who usually commute from Mexico are unable to get to their jobs resulting in a shortage of help in hotels and other industries.”

On Thursday morning, Congressman Gonzales visited the site and met with border patrol agents for updates on the ongoing situation. Following his visit, Congressman Gonzales sent a letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, urging him to take immediate action on the site. As of Saturday morning, the location reached over 14,000 migrants, with reports of more people expected to arrive from the interior of Mexico.