Tucson Standard

Rep. Juan Ciscomani recently took to the X platform (formerly known as Twitter) to direct his attention toward the intensifying border crisis. Recently, the crisis has had a profound impact on the state of Arizona.

"Arizona has been ground zero for the border crisis," Ciscomani tweeted.

In May, the expiration of Title 42, a measure implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to curb border crossings, led to its replacement by Title 8, the pre-existing border control policy, according to Border Report. Title 8 subjects those who cross illegally to fines of up to $250 and imprisonment for six months to two years per attempt. It also introduces provisions such as requiring border crossers to schedule appointments for asylum applications, welcoming up to 30,000 individuals from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba each month with U.S. sponsors, expediting processing, deploying up to 1,500 active-duty military personnel to assist Border Patrol, expanding migrant holding centers, establishing processing centers in other countries for legal crossings and more, according to NBC News.

Despite the enforcement of Title 8, dissatisfaction prevails over the current border situation, as lawmakers consistently voice concerns about inadequate border control and an escalating crisis. Just this week, Border Patrol agents reportedly resorted to using pepper balls against a group of migrants in El Paso, Texas, who persistently attempted to enter the United States by force, according to Border Report.

Currently, in Tucson, Arizona, the daily influx of migrants has surged to around 1,900, marking a staggering 134% increase from June's average of 812. This includes the presence of substantial groups, raising officials' apprehensions about the potential involvement of smugglers. The communities of Lukeville and Ajo in Arizona are also facing challenges in accommodating migrants, leading to a situation where many are left outdoors due to overcrowded facilities, especially in the face of temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, according to CBS News.

"Per multiple sources, just over 6,000 migrants were apprehended by Border Patrol yesterday after crossing illegally, led by Tucson, RGV and Del Rio sectors, as spike in crossings continues," said Bill Melugin, a correspondent for Fox News, on the X platform. "These numbers do not include migrants paroled into U.S. at ports of entry w/ CBP app."

"As we predicted, numbers have skyrocketed," wrote Border Patrol Union on the X platform. "We're at 6,000 arrests and 1,000 known escapes daily. Where is Biden's MSM? Breathless coverage of the temporary 'drop' from historic highs that went on for 2+ years and now they've disappeared. A modern master class on how propagandism works."