(NewNation) — The anticipation was that Title 42 would end on Wednesday, but the Biden administration has requested an extension until next week.
That message didn’t matter as most people crossing the border were already on their way and in Mexico waiting for the green light to leave.
The number of migrants crossing into Yuma has increased by about 1,000 week on week, and agents say this week is on the way to more of the same.
NewsNation spoke with Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines, who says these numbers are not sustainable and the federal government needs to do something to help border communities that are coming under pressure.
The mayor also says the city is preparing for border patrol being forced to conduct street releases as the facility is already exceeding capacity. Lines says the infrastructure can’t handle those releases, as they don’t have bus depots or facilities that can help migrants on their journey.
NewsNation Southwest correspondent Ali Bradley spoke to two young women from Cuba who say they are fleeing a violent dictatorship and are seeking asylum, hoping to start over. They say family and friends in the United States told them they would be safe and cared for here, provided with food and medical care.
The next steps for most of these migrants will be to be processed and released by border patrol, and then receive instructions to serve a “notice to appear” at their final destinations.
That date might not be for at least 2 years. The mayor is requesting additional ICE resources and transportation support to prevent releases on the streets this week.