Thousands of Migrants Released Into US Despite White House Pledge to Deport

Thousands of unauthorized migrants congregated at a makeshift camp in Del Rio, Texas are reportedly being released into the United States, despite the Biden administration's pledge to deport people who cross the border illegally. An Associated Press (Center bias) report quoted an anonymous U.S. official who said migrants at the camp, who are mostly Haitian, have been released in recent days on a “very, very large scale.” The official also said many released migrants were given notices to appear at an immigration office within 60 days. Another anonymous official told AP that large numbers of migrants were being processed under immigration laws rather than being put on deportation flights to Haiti. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said during an appearance in Del Rio Monday that "if you come to the United States illegally, you will be returned."

Reports across the spectrum highlighted criticism of the Biden administration's handling of the situation. Those criticisms were covered more prominently by right-rated news outlets, who often framed President Joe Biden's job on immigration as a major failure. Sources on left, right and center have also covered reports of migrants revolting or attacking Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during the apprehension and deportation process. Some reports from left- and center-rated sources focused on how many migrants were likely relieved by their release and looking forward to starting a new life in the U.S.