by Jorge Ventura
SAN DIEGO (NewsNation) — As Texas is implementing additional measures to deter migrant crossings, illegal entries into the state have decreased. However, new data indicates a shift in migrant flow toward Arizona and California.
Border Patrol agents in San Diego continue to witness an increase in illegal crossings along the California border. According to San Diego Chief Patrol Agent Patricia D. McGurk-Daniel, more than 8,000 migrants were apprehended from more than 70 countries between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6.
Many migrants are entering illegally through open gaps in the border wall in Jacumba Hot Springs, a remote area 60 miles from San Diego.
NewsNation captured a smuggler scaling a border wall with a rope, helping a family of five migrants from Guatemala over in Jacumba. The smuggler then used his phone to take a picture of the migrants once they were over the wall. With no Border Patrol agents nearby, the family entered the U.S.
Border Patrol agents on the California border may receive assistance soon, as Mexican officials have established a command post at a popular migrant crossing point.
Mexican military patrols the area of the border where smugglers typically drive up to the border wall and guide migrants through open gaps.
Earlier this month, NewsNation witnessed an increased presence of the Mexican military on the banks of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, Texas.
NewsNation’s National Correspondent Jorge Ventura will provide an exclusive ride-along Wednesday on “Morning in America” with the Mexican military to explore their operations on the Jacumba border.