Data just released by Customs and Border shows the number of encounters along our southern border continues to rise and reached a level not seen since the year 2000.

Every border patrol sector from Texas to California is reporting increases in apprehensions. “This many people coming into our country illegally does put a burden on our system,” said border patrol agent Jesse Moreno. Moreno said Texas’ Rio Grande Valley has been hit particularly hard by large groups of immigrants crossing at once. Pimentel has long helped immigrants released from border patrol custody by providing a respite center with food, medical care, and assistance in understanding immigration court documents. Catholic Charities of the RGV has also started testing immigrants released in McAllen for COVID-19.