(NewsNation) — Illegal crossings in the Del Rio, Texas, sector have dropped to 25 a day across more than 100 miles, but new consequences will be placed on individuals using “carpet shoes” to evade the Border Patrol.
Anyone who is trying to cross the border illegally using the shoes, which make it drastically harder to trace footprints, will face criminal charges.
Most “carpet shoes” are obtained through cartels in Mexico, often coming with a camouflaged outfit. The Border Patrol is hoping criminal charges will deter others from using the evasion tactic.
Individuals using “carpet shoes” are subject to being prosecuted in the Del Rio sector with up to two years’ imprisonment.
The acting chief patrol agent of the Del Rio sector, Milton Moreno, told NewsNation that the Border Patrol wants zero crossings across the river and has sent apprehended migrants hundreds of miles away to avoid swift reentry attempts.
“Not only are we doing our job, but we’re delivering consequences,” Moreno said. “Word carries fast, and they know if they come in, they’re going to get apprehended and sent back to their country.”
Moreno also told NewsNation that Mexico is assisting with stopping people on its side of the border. He added migrants that are repatriated on the southern side of the border simply don’t have the finances to attempt reentry and thus return home.
As the Trump administration eyes zero illegal crossings, seven more miles of border wall has been approved, with construction to begin in the Rio Grande Valley sector.
