Large Group of Migrants Temporarily Block El Paso Border Crossing

A large group of people attempted to cross the southern border from Mexico into El Paso, Texas on Sunday, blocking a bridge and causing a standoff with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Details: The large group pushed past Mexican border agents and onto the Paso Del Norte International Bridge. The CBP erected barricades and blocked off all traffic across the bridge to halt the group. There is no consensus on what caused this specific surge— The El Paso Times reported that the migrants were spurred by “rumors the border would be opened for express asylum.” CNN quoted CBP stating, “CBP is working to maintain the legal and orderly flow of entry to the U.S. while protecting the safety and security of legitimate trade and travel, CBP facilities and the CBP workforce.” CBP reported that the group had dispersed by Sunday evening and the bridge was reopened.

For Context: In December, the mayor of El Paso, which sits on the southern border, declared a state of emergency over the influx of migrants from Mexico, stating the city lacked the facilities to accommodate the surge of new arrivals. 

How The Media Covered It: Right-rated outlets covered the story more than left- and center-rated outlets. There were varying reports on the size of the migrant groups. Fox News (Right Bias) reported the number as over 1,000, but this has not been confirmed by Customs and Border Protection. The El Paso Times reported the number was in the hundreds.