Mexican cartels are now using colored wristbands to control and track illegal migrants crossing into Texas, revealing a chilling new level of organization in human trafficking operations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
At a Glance
- Cartels are using colored wristbands to manage migrant crossings into Texas
- Wristbands indicate proof of payment and designate specific crossing areas
- The Cartel del Noreste (CDN) controls much of the border area near Eagle Pass
- Texas still sees an average of 2,000 illegal immigrants per day
- There’s an increase in special interest migrants, raising potential security concerns
Cartel’s Wristband System: A New Level of Control
Mexican drug cartels have implemented a sophisticated wristband system to exert control over illegal migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, particularly in Texas. These colored wristbands, discovered discarded at crossing sites like Eagle Pass, indicate a highly organized cartel operation. Each color corresponds to distinct crossing areas and payments, revealing the iron grip of cartels, especially the Cartel del Noreste (CDN), on these illegal border crossings.
The discovery of these wristbands in Eagle Pass is particularly alarming, as it suggests an unprecedented level of cartel involvement in this area. Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “We’ve always seen that in those areas. We’ve never seen that in Eagle Pass. That tells us it’s more controlled, more coordinated by the cartels.”
BORDER UPDATE: Out this morning in Eagle Pass, Texas, showing areas along the Rio Grande recently used for illegal crossings involving special interest immigrants & unaccompanied children. @TxDPS Troopers & National Guard forces have secured the area, preventing illegal border… pic.twitter.com/YlVsI89vo1
— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) October 22, 2024
The Cruel Economics of Human Trafficking
The wristband system serves as a macabre proof of payment to smugglers, with migrants being charged exorbitant fees for the “privilege” of crossing into the United States illegally. Those who attempt to avoid these fees face severe consequences from the cartels. This system not only monetizes human suffering but also demonstrates the cartels’ stranglehold on border areas, particularly across from the Rio Grande Valley and Eagle Pass.
“If they have a blue one, they can only cross in this area. If they have a red one, they can only cross in that area.” – Lt. Chris Olivarez
Despite a reported decline in overall migrant encounters, Texas continues to grapple with an alarming influx of illegal immigrants. An average of 2,000 individuals cross the border illegally each day, with Eagle Pass alone seeing around 300 crossings daily. This sustained high volume of illegal entries underscores the ineffectiveness of current border policies and the urgent need for more robust enforcement measures.
Rising Concerns: Special Interest Migrants and National Security
Adding to the complexity of the situation is a troubling increase in what authorities term “special interest migrants.” These individuals, hailing from countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and various African nations, are flagged for potential national security risks based on their travel patterns. While this designation doesn’t automatically imply terrorism links, it necessitates additional screening and raises serious questions about potential threats slipping through our porous southern border.
The surge in unaccompanied children from these regions is particularly concerning, as it suggests cartels may be exploiting vulnerable minors for their trafficking operations. This disturbing trend demands immediate attention and action from federal authorities to protect both national security and the welfare of these children.
As the border crisis continues to evolve, with cartels implementing increasingly sophisticated methods to facilitate illegal crossings, it’s clear that current policies are woefully inadequate. The discovery of this wristband system should serve as a wake-up call to policymakers. It’s time for a comprehensive overhaul of our border security measures, one that prioritizes the safety of American citizens and puts an end to the cartel’s reign of terror along our southern border. Anything less is a dereliction of duty to the American people.
