U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens has announced his retirement, effective April, after nearly 30 years of service with the agency. Owens, who became the 26th chief of the United States Border Patrol in June 2023 under President Biden, led during a time of significant challenges, including record-breaking surges in migrant crossings.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended President Joe Biden’s delay in taking executive action on the southern border during an interview with PBS NewsHour on Tuesday. Facing criticism from outgoing ICE Deputy Director P.J. Lechleitner, who argued the administration should have acted sooner, Mayorkas emphasized that earlier action would have likely faced litigation with uncertain outcomes.
President Joe Biden released a farewell letter to the nation on Wednesday ahead of his Oval Office address. The letter reflected on his tenure, showcasing what he claims are key accomplishments and personal triumphs during his presidency.
A federal judge in Vermont sentenced Luis Fernando Barragan-Palacios, 29, to 18 months in prison for smuggling nearly 100 migrants across the Canadian border into the United States. Barragan-Palacios, originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, earned approximately $500,000 from the human smuggling operation over a five-month period. He is expected to be deported upon completing his sentence.
During an appearance on MSNBC's The Beat Wednesday, Geraldo Rivera expressed sharp criticism of Stephen Miller, President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration policy adviser. Rivera called Miller’s policies "draconian" and stated he would "punch Stephen Miller in the nose" if given the chance, citing strong opposition to the direction of Trump’s proposed immigration enforcement strategies.
Border Patrol agents in California apprehended Venezuelan migrant Jose Gonzalez Roa, a suspected member of the notorious Tren de Aragua gang. Gonzalez Roa has a lengthy criminal record spanning New York, Colorado, and California, where he is wanted for attempted murder. Despite previous deportations, the suspect managed to cross the U.S.-Mexico border multiple times, including a recent return to Mexico reportedly to visit his girlfriend.
U.S. Border Patrol agents continue to face escalating challenges at the southern border, regularly apprehending gang members, convicted felons, and Special Interest Aliens attempting to enter the country illegally. Recent arrests in the El Paso sector provide a glimpse into the ongoing crisis.
A caravan of up to 2,000 migrants departed southern Mexico on Friday, seeking to reach the U.S. border ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
