Migrants Crossing Border as Title 42 Lifts Face Dangerous Rainfall in Texas

An incoming storm with severe flooding potential is expected to hit southern and western Texas as Title 42 expires Thursday.

Border crossings are expected to see a steep uptick with the end of the policy, which allowed the U.S. to turn away migrants at the border under the belief that they would exacerbate the COVID-19 pandemic. The order was installed under President Donald Trump in 2020, and Newsweek reported that since the measure was implemented, an estimated 2.7 million migrants have been turned away.

Thousands of migrants are waiting to attempt legal entry once the order expires, and President Joe Biden approved sending 1,500 more active-duty troops to assist U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. The situation is expected to grow more complex and the migrants' journey could be hindered when an incoming storm system brings rain and a risk for flash floods this weekend.