Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved the deployment of 10 armored vehicles to the border. The upcoming end of Title 42 - on December 21 - is the main reason for Abbott's decision, which also pointed to increasing "cartel-led criminal activity."
Within the disaster that the Biden Administration's immigration policy is producing, Title 42 is the only thing that is allowing some respite from the situation. Lieutenant Chris Olivarez, the Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman told Fox News: "With Title 42 in effect, that's actually the only policy we have to maintain the situation we are seeing at the border, but right now that's hanging by a thread." In fact, according to the official, "we are going to have to deploy more state resources now to fill those gaps in the midst of the wave of illegal immigrants we are expecting. The cartels and the criminals now know that with the disappearance of Title 42, that's just more money in their pockets because they're going to take full advantage of the situation, exploit that and profit from these illegal immigrants."
Without Title 42, "more money" for cartels
Something that is already a reality, as reported by members of the Texas Military Department (TMD), "Between October 1, 2021 and November 8, 2022, Texas National Guard service members have experienced 267 suspicious or violent events. These events include receiving gunfire across the border, physical assaults, drone activity, loitering, surveillance, suspicious activity, threats of violence to the task force, and threats of violence to individuals."
In anticipation of what is to come, "personnel carriers are being trucked to security points along the border to improve protection amid increasing cartel-driven criminal activity. The lifting of Title 42 later this month could lead to a massive influx of illegal immigrants, allowing criminals to further exploit loopholes where federal authorities are inundated with migrant processing," the Texas Governor's Office said.
"Dire consequences."
Also, Republican Senator John Cornyn blasted the Biden Administration and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for not offering a post-Title42 plan. "We haven't heard any plans from the Biden administration on how they're going to get the job done without that authority because they simply refuse to use any other authority, such as expedited removal, in order to deter people from illegally entering the country. Once Title 42 goes away, all of that will change, and the consequences will be dire."
According to Breitbart, the Border Patrol and the heads of cities and counties along the border are holding meetings to study what measures to take as of December 21. At present, they report that they do not have the capacity to absorb more migrants.
Bullet and small explosion proof
The M113 is an armored personnel carrier. Its main function is to transport infantry troops alongside tanks, even on the battlefield. In addition, they can be equipped with weapons such as heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, anti-tank missiles or even large cannons similar to those mounted on tanks. From what is known so far and according to Stars and Stripes, the vehicles being deployed at the border do not include weapons, and it is unclear whether any will be added.
The M113 has bulletproof armor and can withstand small explosions. Its use is not limited to military use. Several police departments rely on this type of armored vehicle to transport SWAT teams in a lighter model with wheels instead of chains.
