President Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday that there will be chaos at the southern border for a period of time after the expiration of Title 42, saying his administration will gradually get the situation under control. Federal authorities have been bracing for a migrant surge ahead of Thursday’s end to a pandemic-era authority to remove immigrants without an asylum hearing. Biden ordered 1,500 troops to the border in a support role and discussed the importance of enhancing cooperation between the United States and Mexico to manage unprecedented migration in the region.
Vice President Kamala Harris has also been panned for her handling of the root causes of migration, and there are already images of large numbers of immigrants being housed near the border after crossing. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that "the U.S. will be chaotic" when an emergency immigration restriction tied to COVID-19 ends on Thursday.
The administration is doing everything it can to prepare for this expected surge by sending additional resources such as deploying 1,500 more troops along with Department Homeland Security's (DHS) existing force—comprised over around 24,000 agents and officers—to assist frontline duties during this challenging transition phase.
Even some Democrats have raised concerns about preparedness. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed her worries regarding how well-equipped federal agencies are in dealing with these potential consequences following policy changes related to migration management.
Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding what happens next has already prompted an increase in migrants crossing into Yuma, Arizona—one entry point where crossings more than tripled between last month and Sunday—as many seek refuge amidst ongoing regional turmoil outside US borders.