Karine Jean-Pierre Claims ‘Anyone Who Suggests’ the Border Is Open Is ‘Doing the Work’ of Smugglers
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insists those who are claiming the U.S.-Mexico border is “open” are helping smugglers prey on migrants. On Thursday, a reporter asked the press secretary about a report…
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre insists those who are claiming the U.S.-Mexico border is “open” are helping smugglers prey on migrants.
On Thursday, a reporter asked the press secretary about a report there are 50,000 migrants in Mexico waiting to cross into the U.S. when Title 42 expires.
“Is that accurate? And would that overwhelm the Border Patrol?” he asked.
Jean-Pierre responded, “Look, I don’t have a number for you at this time. What I can say is that smugglers will try to spread misinformation to take advantage of these vulnerable migrants.”
“The fact is the removal of Title 42 does not mean the border is open. Anyone who suggests otherwise is simply doing the work of these smugglers — who again are spreading misinformation which is very dangerous,” she continued.
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Jean-Pierre explained once Title 42 is no longer in place, the country will revert to Title 8 which “allows a process to make sure that people can make their asylum claims heard.”
“Those who do not have a legal basis to remain will be quickly removed. And so we will continue to fully enforce our Immigration laws in a fair, orderly, and humane manner,”she added.
Her comments come as officials are bracing for a potential influx of migrants at the border once Title 42 expires on Dec. 21.
The policy is a public health order which has allowed officials to quickly deport migrants. It was implemented in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.