Migrants involved in a riot at the southern border in Texas were released by an El Paso judge, who ruled that those charged with “riot participation” would be set free due to the El Paso District Attorney’s Office not being prepared for detention hearings. The riot, which occurred ten days prior, overwhelmed National Guard troops and resulted in migrants knocking over guards and tearing down razor wire. During a virtual conference, Judge Humberto Acosta announced that all individuals involved in the riot would be released on their own recognizance.
The violent scene at the border consisted mostly of adult males who outnumbered the guard troops attempting to place them in groups for Customs and Border Patrol custody. Many migrants rushed towards the border gate, hoping to be taken into custody by Border Patrol agents on the other side and enter the US. Some guardsmen were left with minor injuries as a result of the chaotic encounter. Charges including assault of a public servant and criminal mischief were filed against some migrants, but it is unclear if the judge’s ruling on Easter Sunday applied to all defendants or just those charged with “riot participation”.
Court officials mentioned that migrants would only remain detained if a federal immigration hold was preventing their release. Assistant District Attorney Ashley M. Martinez requested hearings to be held at a later date, but Judge Acosta denied the request. It was not specified how many migrants were charged with “riot participation,” but the judge stated that “hundreds of arrestees” were entitled to individual detention hearings within 48 hours. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were reportedly holding over 200 migrants who authorities wanted to arrest and charge.
The Biden administration has opposed Texas’ efforts to employ national guardsmen and state authorities to arrest and deport migrants entering the country illegally. Last week, a federal appeals court blocked Texas from moving forward with this action. Earlier in March, a US Supreme Court decision allowed the law to briefly go into effect while a legal challenge was being addressed. Another hearing regarding this matter is anticipated on Monday, and The Post has sought comment from the district attorney’s office to gather more information on the situation at the border.
The violent incident at the southern border in Texas has raised concerns about the overwhelmed National Guard troops and the release of migrants involved in the riot. The chaotic encounter resulted in a tense confrontation between guards and migrants, with some migrants sustaining charges for their actions. The decision to release these migrants on their own recognizance has sparked questions regarding the handling of the situation and the impact on border security measures. More information is expected to be revealed during future hearings or statements from involved officials to address the aftermath of the riot.
