The Biden administration’s border policies have come under scrutiny as images of migrants held between San Diego border walls were broadcasted nationwide. Former San Diego Border Patrol Sector Chief Aaron Heitke revealed that the administration pushed to move migrants out of sight of cameras. The practice of holding migrants for extended periods in open-air locations like Whiskey Eight has been criticized by humanitarian volunteers, human rights organizations, and members of Congress.
Despite claims by CBP that migrants are not in custody between the walls, volunteers have witnessed detained individuals lacking basic necessities like food, water, and hygiene items. While a judge ruled the space counts as detention, children are still seen waiting in the open air before processing. The volunteers at Whiskey Eight are concerned that agents are hiding migrants from view to avoid scrutiny.
Though Border Patrol apprehensions have decreased significantly since May, the San Diego Sector remains busy, accounting for a large percentage of border apprehensions. The number of people held at Whiskey Eight has decreased, but volunteers remain committed to ensuring migrants’ needs are met and policies are followed.
In other news, the Biden administration will not extend humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Venezuela, another family was separated at the border with different outcomes for the husband and wife, and Tijuana’s new mayor promises to make the city safer. The situation at the border continues to evolve as policymakers and volunteers work to ensure the rights and needs of migrants are met.
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Photo credit voiceofsandiego.org
