Mexican drug cartels have adopted a new system involving wristbands to manage illegal migrant crossings into the U.S. Migrants must pay cartels a fee to cross the border and the wristbands indicate proof of payment along with specific crossing zones. Lt. Chris Olivarez stated the Cartel del Noreste controls areas across the Rio Grande Valley and Eagle Pass. Authorities have observed an increase in special migrants.
Cartels Employ Wristband System
Mexican drug cartels have implemented a strategic system using colored wristbands to facilitate illegal crossings through Texas. This scheme primarily occurs in Eagle Pass, where discarded wristbands bear the mark of organized groups like the Cartel del Noreste. Different colors denote separate regions for crossing and serve as proof of payment to smugglers. The system demonstrates a sophisticated level of organization, reinforcing the cartels’ dominance in controlling cross-border activity.
This discovery in Eagle Pass indicates a more complex operation by these cartels. Authorities have found thousands of these wristbands along the border, signaling a substantial and systematic approach to managing illegal entries. Lt. Chris Olivarez noted that the presence of wristbands in Eagle Pass is new, pointing to increased cartel coordination in this area. Cartel del Noreste has reportedly managed substantial portions of the border across from the Rio Grande Valley.
BORDER UPDATE: Out this morning in Eagle Pass, Texas, showing areas along the Rio Grande recently used for illegal crossings involving special interest immigrants & unaccompanied children. @TxDPS Troopers & National Guard forces have secured the area, preventing illegal border… pic.twitter.com/YlVsI89vo1
— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) October 22, 2024
Impact on Migrant Flow
The proliferation of wristbands reflects the heavy involvement of cartels in migrant crossings. Migrants must pay the cartels for the right to cross into the U.S., and those without wristbands face risks of evading fees. The practice has led to organized human smuggling operations along the border, complicating efforts by law enforcement to manage illegal immigration effectively.
“If they have a blue one, they can only cross in this area. If they have a red one, they can only cross in that area,” Lt. Chris Olivarez said.
Texas continues to witness an influx of illegal immigrants, receiving an average of 2,000 daily entries, with Eagle Pass accounting for 300 of these. The situation is further complicated by the rise of special interest migrants from countries like Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Africa. While not indicative of terrorism, these migrants’ travel patterns warrant further investigation for potential national security risks.
The cartel is giving migrants colored bracelets as a way to keep track of people trying to cross the border, a Texas DPS agent tells NewsNation's @AliBradleyTV.
MORE: https://t.co/zgjvt5P067 pic.twitter.com/jY8OIqytXV
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) October 22, 2024
Authorities’ Response
The U.S.-Mexico border remains a critical point of concern for authorities, who are intensifying efforts to oversee and evaluate each crossing for security threats. The discovery of wristbands in controlled areas has flagged the need for enhanced screening and intelligence gathering. As the migrant crisis continues, vigilance and robust security measures will be paramount in preserving national safety.
“We’ve always seen that in those areas. We’ve never seen that in Eagle Pass. That tells us it’s more controlled, more coordinated by the cartels,” Lt. Chris Olivarez said.
The ongoing challenge of regulating border crossings underscores the vital need for multifaceted strategies involving law enforcement, policy adjustments, and international collaboration to curb the influence of organized crime on national borders.
