500 migrants encountered in the lower valley following false rumors
UPDATE-- El Paso Sector Border Patrol officials confirm to ABC-7 that a large group of 500 migrants illegally entered the United States Wednesday night.
Officials confirmed the encounters occurred over the span of several hours between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.
Agents said most of the migrants who entered were citizens of Venezuela, but there were others from countries including Nicaragua, Colombia, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru and El Salvador.
The majority of those apprehended were adult men, but there were also families.
According to agents, the migrants decided to illegally cross into the United States after hearing rumors that they would be allowed to stay in the country.
Other migrants told ABC-7, they had heard agents were driving migrants to Canada.
Border Patrol officials insist policies have not changed allowing them to stay in the country.
Migrants are still being expelled under Title 42.
Title 42 is a public emergency health order used during the pandemic to expel migrants who've entered the U.S. illegally, citing health concerns.
Officials said they are prepared to handle any upcoming surge of migrants.
All migrants who were encountered Wednesday night will be processed accordingly.
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- ABC-7 crews spotted several dozen migrants lined up along the bridge on the Border Highway near Yarbrough in the lower valley Thursday morning.
The migrants are still on the Mexican side of the border.
A Texas Department of Public Safety special agent on scene told ABC-7 there are 200 to 300 migrants lined up.
Agents are standing by. Our crews also several a few Border Patrol agents as well.
ABC-7 reached out to Border Patrol and DPS for comment but have not received a response.
