Border Patrol: Several Factors Behind Increase in Illegal Crossings

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Posted: Oct 9, 2012 9:21 PM Updated: Oct 9, 2012 9:24 PM

WESLACO - Border Patrol officials said they are trying to determine what is causing a spike in illegal crossings in the Rio Grande Valley.

"There are a lot of variables that go into play when we start talking about human trafficking and human smuggling," Border Patrol Spokesman Enrique Mendiola Jr. said.

He said the flow of immigrants northward depends on who is calling the shots in Mexico.

"All these transnational criminal organizations ... control those crossing points on the south side," Mendiola said.

"These plaza holders ... are the ones that allow people to cross ... humans or drugs or whatever they are crossing," Mendiola said.

The weather also could be a factor behind the increase in crossings, Mendiola said.

"Right now the climate is a little mild ... so that comes into play. Obviously when you're talking about 110-, 105-degree temperatures with 98 percent humidity ... that may keep some people away," he said.

Mendiola said communication is crucial for law enforcements trying to stay informed of changing smuggling routes.

"That's why we're constantly monitoring that change and where are those resources going to be deployed," he said.

Mendiola said the number of illegal crossings typically decrease as the holydays approach.

Border Patrol: Several Factors Behind Increase in Illegal Crossings | KRGV.com | CHANNEL 5 NEWS | Breaking News Breaking Stories