EL PASO, T.X. - A patchwork of Trump administration policies has virtually ended asylum for migrants from Central America but left what immigration officials call “loopholes” open to migrants from non-Spanish speaking countries.
In New Mexico and West Texas, that's led to an unexpected trend: Brazilians now make up about a quarter of the migrants apprehended by Border Patrol agents.
This week, a top immigration official vowed to stop “catch and release” of Brazilian migrants after more than 18,000 were apprehended on the Southwest Border in the past year.
Meanwhile, it was a busy night for officers stationed at a U.S. border checkpoint in New Mexico, where three women in labor turned up for help in a matter of hours.
One woman arrived in a Mexican ambulance and officers at the Columbus port of entry provided an obstetrical kit for the emergency delivery.
A U.S. ambulance crew was able to transport the second woman to a hospital before she gave birth.
The last woman arrived before 5 a.m., only to drop to the sidewalk. Customs and Border Protection officers helped deliver the baby girl.
The head of the Columbus port of entry commended the officers for their quick responses.