Streets of El Paso allegedly ‘cleared’ of migrants ahead of President Biden’s visit

As President Joe Biden was preparing to visit the southern border in El Paso, Texas, officials moved to clear the streets full of migrants, with over a hundred migrants reportedly being arrested.

Prior to Biden’s visit, videos showed the streets of El Paso filled with migrants, with hundreds of them seen sleeping on the streets and in tents.

When Biden announced he would be visiting the border town, officials moved in to clear the streets. In videos taken last Tuesday, border agents can be seen patrolling the streets in groups and taking migrants into custody. Many of the migrants were sleeping near the bus station and by nearby churches.

One person told NBC News that there was likely around 100 to 150 arrests made. A Customs and Border Protection official in El Paso told NBC that the arrests came in response to migrants evading apprehension in the El Paso area.

“CBP, which is responsible for securing the U.S. border between ports of entry, uses a layered approach that includes patrolling the border itself, nearby areas and neighborhoods, and conducting checkpoints,” a CBP spokesman said.

They added, “In response to migrants evading apprehension in the El Paso area, the United States Border Patrol has increased the number of agents patrolling the area.”