US Border Patrol issues warning to migrants

The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector has issued a stark warning to migrants planning to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, stressing the life-threatening dangers of attempting illegal border crossings during the perilous winter weather.

Why It Matters

During the winter months, freezing temperatures create perilous conditions for migrants attempting to cross the border illegally. Extreme cold exposes them to the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and even death.

The border region’s unforgiving terrain—including deserts, mountains, and remote wilderness can be treacherous in the winter, amplifying the danger posed to migrants.

What To Know

Authorities are urging caution, highlighting the risks posed by harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain.

“The risks are even greater during the winter months,” said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good.

Newsweek has contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further comment via email.

Increased holiday travel leads to heavy traffic on highways near the southern border, which increases the risk of car accidents involving migrants.

“People that attempt to go north to exercise their right to seek asylum at the US/Mexico border are often apprehended by Mexican officials and sent back down south, which is why so many asylum seekers are now congregated at Mexico’s southern border rather than its northern border,” Amy Fischer, Director of Refugee and Migrant Rights at Amnesty International USA told Newsweek.

“People seeking safety are still in significant danger in the south, facing high rates of extortion, kidnapping, sexual violence, and insecurity,” Fischer added.

Transnational criminal organizations are exploiting migrants during smuggling operations for profit, often abandoning them in dangerous and life-threatening situations, according to CBP.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the El Paso Sector reported 176 migrant deaths linked to illegal smuggling schemes, per CBP data.

CBP advised Migrants seeking to enter the United States to use legal pathways and seek assistance from authorized authorities.

What People Are Saying

El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good said: “Crossing the border illegally is never safe, but the risks are even greater during the winter months,” “We want to prevent unnecessary tragedies and remind people that these routes are controlled by transnational criminal organizations that exploit vulnerable individuals.”

Bernalillo County, New Mexico District Attorney Sam Bregman said: “The difficult and dangerous conditions that occur at this time of year are exactly what criminal organizations use to exploit migrants who are desperately seeking safety and shelter. This often leads to migrants finding themselves in an even more dangerous situation; victims trapped in a human trafficking ring who have now lost their freedom.”

Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens said: “Human smugglers prey on individuals who find themselves in precarious and desperate situations.”

“Unfortunately, migrants who place their faith in these deceitful individuals often face dire consequences, which can lead to severe injuries or even tragic loss of life.

FBI El Paso Field Office Special Agent in Charge John S. Morales said: “Organized crime networks often prey on vulnerable individuals, and unfortunately migrants are particularly at risk. These criminals exploit their desperation, subjecting them to violence, theft, and other forms of abuse.”

What Happens Next

Trump is set to assume the presidency on January 20 and has vowed to conduct the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.

Trump is expected to implement a stricter immigration policy and crackdown on crime syndicates, cartels and gangs.

Trump has repeatedly pledged to deploy the National Guard to enact his mass deportation policy and promised to shut down the CBP One app, end the catch-and-release policy, and reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” program.

He is expected to sign a raft of executive orders to address Republicans’ concerns on matters of immigration policy and to tackle crime on the border.