(EL PASO, Texas) — Border Patrol agents arrested an individual attempting to cross into the United States under the International Bridge of the Americas using a wooden board, authorities said.
A man was taken into custody after attempting an unconventional border crossing in El Paso, Texas, and faces potential prosecution and deportation.
- Border Patrol agents apprehended a person attempting to cross the border using a wooden board.
- The individual appeared exhausted and required a rescue operation coordinated with the El Paso Fire Department.
- The subject faces charges under Title 8 of the United States Code and is expected to be deported.
The attempted crossing occurred at the International Bridge of the Americas, according to a statement from Border Patrol. Agents reported the individual appeared exhausted, prompting a coordinated rescue effort with the El Paso Fire Department.
Following the rescue, the individual was taken into custody and will be prosecuted under Title 8 of the United States Code, the agency stated. This prosecution is expected to lead to the subject’s deportation back to their country of origin.
Background and Context
Title 8 of the United States Code governs immigration and nationality, covering a wide range of offenses related to illegal entry and immigration violations. Prosecution under Title 8 can result in both criminal penalties and deportation proceedings. The use of this statute has been a key component of the Biden administration’s border enforcement strategy, particularly as Title 42, a pandemic-era policy allowing for rapid expulsions, ended in May 2023.
“Our agents are committed to both border security and the safety of those who attempt to cross illegally,” a Border Patrol spokesperson said, according to internal communications.
The International Bridge of the Americas is a major crossing point between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Attempts to cross the border illegally at this location often involve significant risks due to the challenging terrain and the presence of active enforcement efforts.
