Chief of U.S. Border Patrol Labels Southern Border as “National Security Threat”, Referring to 140,000 Uncaptured Migrants

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens labels the situation at the U.S.’ southern border a “national security threat.” This follows increasing concerns regarding migrants who were able to evade apprehension and enter the country illegally within the past few months. In a fiscal year that started in October, Border Patrol has nearly recorded one million apprehensions of migrants. The agency is on track for two million apprehensions for the third consecutive year by the end of the fiscal year.

Owens expresses worry pertaining to the 140,000 known “got-aways,” individuals who are captured crossing into the U.S. illicitly on cameras and sensors but escape capture. He inquires about their motives, what they could potentially be bringing into the country, and where they originate from, all of which are unknown facts currently posing threats to U.S. communities.

Despite the dangers, Owens recognizes that most migrants are good individuals. While a small fraction of those apprehended are criminals, such as convicted gang members or sexual offenders, the majority of migrants surrender voluntarily to escape dire conditions in their home countries. Statistical data suggests that these migrants do not commit crimes at higher rates compared to native-born Americans.

Law enforcement authorities, including FBI director Christopher Wray, have expressed apprehension about potential criminals, including potential terrorists, taking advantage of the high levels of migration along the U.S. southern border over the past three years. Two million apprehensions of illegally crossing migrants were reported in both fiscal years 2022 and 2023, the all-time highs. Owens asserts that cartels are primarily driving the massive influx of people into the U.S.

In an interview, Owens strongly advocated for stricter immigration policies to decrease the number of migrants arriving at the southern border. He suggested imposing prison terms, removal from the country, and banning reentry for illegal entry, emphasizing the need to utilize established lawful pathways into the country. Owens, who took over the agency in June 2023 after Raul Ortiz’s retirement, was called a “talented, selfless, and inspiring leader” by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.