Border arrests have skyrockets in recent months and are now at a level not seen in a decade. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports more than 144,000 were arrested or deemed inadmissible in May. The number is nearly triple the same month the previous year.
CBP officials are calling it a "full-blown" emergency.
Thousands of arrests have taken place in the past few days alone.
Earlier this week, the U.S Border Patrol constructed several portable facilities to help ease the capacity issues at the Eagle Pass South Station.
“All of the stations in Del Rio Sector are experiencing significant capacity issues, but none more so than Eagle Pass South Station,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “The addition of these structures will assist with managing the crowding in the station until a more permanent solution is found.”
These structures will be utilized as temporary holding areas for family units awaiting processing. Officials say they have power and water needed to maintain detainee safety and hygiene.
Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
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Steps taken to ease overcrowding at Eagle Pass border station