The El Paso district attorney announced Thursday that his office will appeal a judge’s decision to dismiss riot charges against hundreds of undocumented immigrants who pushed through troops in Texas and forced their way deep into the United States.
Authorities arrested more than 200 illegal immigrants on suspicion of rioting in the state. 3.21 incident In the incident, a group of mostly adult males broke through a concertina of wire along the border with Mexico.
Footage of the incident went viral, fueling an ongoing dispute between Texas and the Biden administration over how to deal with the ongoing crisis at the border.
Texas authorities search for two wanted immigrants in March border stampede, release photos of others
On March 21, 2024, a group of more than 100 immigrants stormed the border wall trying to enter the United States illegally. In the process, the migrants mowed down the Texas National Guard before being stopped by the border wall. (James Breeden, New York Post/Mega)
However, a county court judge dismissed 211 cases during a hearing on Wednesday, saying proper procedures were not followed in ordering jurisdiction to be transferred to a competent court. El Paso Times reported. Judge Ruben Morales said his hands were tied on the issue.
“If I don’t have jurisdiction, there’s nothing I can do about these cases other than dismiss them,” Judge Morales said, according to the Times.
At a press conference Thursday, District Attorney Bill Hicks said his office disagrees with the sentence and intends to appeal.
CBP increases patrols after El Paso migrant surge overwhelms Texas National Guard
“We maintain that it was proper and appropriate, and we feel very strongly that…it was properly done and we feel that his order was an unreasonable order,” he said. said. “We intend to appeal his order to the Court of Appeals.
“This is not a good order. For that reason, and because we feel the law is on our side, we intend to appeal his removal order.”
On March 21, 2024, a group of more than 100 immigrants attempting to enter the United States illegally stormed the border wall, mowing down Texas National Guard soldiers before being stopped by the border wall. (James Breeden, New York Post/Mega)
The Texas Department of Public Safety arrested 214 immigrants and issued warrants for two others. The group arrested consisted of men and women from Venezuela, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) previously said ICE is increasing penalties for illegal entry because it prioritizes threats to national security and public safety when it comes to deportation.
“There are consequences for illegally crossing the border, and CBP continues to enforce U.S. immigration laws,” CBP said in a statement after the incident. “Individuals and families without a legal basis to be in the United States are subject to deportation, with a minimum five-year suspension on re-entry applications, and possible criminal prosecution for subsequent re-entry without authorization.” No one should believe that lie.” Individuals and families of smugglers who have no legal basis to stay in the United States will be excluded. ”
However, Venezuela has stopped accepting direct repatriation flights of its citizens. Venezuelans may still be sent to Mexico, but officials told Fox that many will then re-enter the country as “fugitives.”
Hicks said some immigrants have criminal records, but many do not. He also said the migrants would be released if they were not already released.
He said if they are found, they will be released to Border Patrol for processing.
“Some people may qualify for asylum, some may not. Some may be deported, some may not,” he said.
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He said if the appeals court reverses the judge’s order, new warrants will be issued for the arrests of these immigrants.
Get the latest information on the ongoing border crisis from Fox News Digital’s Immigration Hub.
