Although the Migratory theme He has lost his media level, Donald Trump’s administration has not stopped his agenda. While the public focus looks elsewhere, The US Army has expanded its presence on the southern border.
The new measure allows soldiers to temporarily stop migrants within militarized areas, such as the newly created El Paso National Defense Areain Texas.
Those who cross there now face not only deportation, but also criminal charges for violating military security areas.
The soldiers They can temporarily stop migrants before delivering them to the Customs Office and Border Protection (CBP, in English).
The new area, called El Paso National Defense Areaintegrates into the military base of Fort Bliss and adds to the first area already established in New Mexico.
Both are treated as Extensions of military facilities. This means that, for security reasons, soldiers can Perform temporary arrests, apply crowd control and record records to those who enter without authorization.
The decision to establish military zones responds to a Presidential Order of former President Donald Trumpwho from the first day of his term promoted a policy of migratory hardening.
In April, the Defense Department also assumed jurisdiction on federal land such as the ROOSEVELT reservea strip of 60 feet wide along the border, for military use and construction of barriers and surveillance systems.
Migrants arrested face criminal charges
Several immigrants have already been arrested after entering these restricted areas, but so far no people of Guatemalan origin have been confirmed.
According to the immigration analyst Fernando Castro Molinathese people are being processed for violation of security standards in military areasa figure that Add greater criminal weight to your case.
“Justice Department personnel have orders to initiate processes for these positions. This will force more migrants trying to avoid these areas, but in return they could expose themselves to more dangerous routes, risking their lives and those of their children”Castro Molina said.
The analyst also stressed that this new policy It should be a reason for alert For the governments of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexicothey must adequately inform your population about the risks and legal consequences of entering these areas.
What does the Minex say?
Given this new context, the Guatemala Foreign Ministry (MINEX) To know what Information or prevention measures They are implementing.
Wondered if they are coordinating awareness campaigns through press, radio or television; If there is Active collaboration with consulates in the US. and if there is communication with governments of the region. Information about legal support or consular protection For nationals stopped under these new positions.
At the close of this note, the MINEX reported that the response management was still in process.
Read also: FAFG will support Guatemala in the search for missing migrants on his way to the US.