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Surges of illegal immigration placing strain on DPS resources

“The number of deaths because of this crisis and the amount of immigrants that have lost their lives, is a record number that we’ve never seen before,” one DPS official said

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Photo/FOX News

By Ashley Silver
Police1 Staff

MCALLEN, Texas — During a ride-along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, news media captured video of several instances of migrants illegally crossing the border into the U.S..

The FOX News video shows migrants hiding in thick brush and swimming across the Rio Grande River to cross the Texas border – actions that are dangerous to both those attempting to enter and officers, according to officials.

“The number of deaths that have taken place because of this crisis and the amount of immigrants that have lost their lives, is a record number that we have never seen before,” Lt. Chris Olivarez of the Texas DPS told FOX News.

The lieutenant said there has been a noticeable rise in illegal immigration attempts and the increase is putting a strain on DPS resources. Many of the migrants have to be rescued during risky attempts to gain entry.

According to FOX News, 84 immigrants were recently rescued from a tractor trailer that was transporting them to a “stash house,” with promises of entry into the U.S.

“As the sheriff, we have to respond to those bodies that are reported on our side. It really ties up a lot of the resources,” Sheriff Eddie Guerra said..

Guerra believes larger criminal organizations are profiting heavily from desperate migrants paying money to enter the country. Ultimately, he would like to see a change in policy to assist those wanting to come to the country legally.

“We all agree that there needs to be a pathway of citizenship for these people that are trying to come into the U.S. And make a better life for themselves,” Guerra said.

RELATED: How the southern border crisis impacts law enforcement nationwide

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