14 Mexican soldiers were apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents after illegally crossing the southern border near El Paso, Texas, early Saturday morning, according to Reuters.
“Just after midnight today CBP officers working at the Bridge of the America’s international crossing in El Paso noted two Mexican military vehicles crossing the boundary and entering the U.S.,” the CBP told Reuters in a statement.
“The 14 Mexican soldiers said they did not realize they had entered the United States and U.S. border agents secured their weapons and equipment for ‘safety and processing,’ said the CBP, adding that Mexican military leadership was contacted and arrived at the port shortly thereafter.,” Reuters reported. “Thirteen of the 14 Mexican soldiers were processed without incident, but one soldier was assessed a civil penalty after CBP officers discovered a personal use amount of marijuana in his possession.”
A witness told Reuters that “The CBP (agents) yelled at the soldiers to put their hands up and drop their weapons immediately.” The agents then searched the vehicles and escorted the soldiers away, who appeared to be handcuffed, according to Reuters.
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The incident comes as the Biden administration continues to struggle to regain control of the southern border while illegal immigration levels remain at record highs. In August, border encounters passed 200,000 for the second consecutive month – the first time that number had been reached in 21 years.
