President Biden is expected to take executive action on the border crisis today that could partially shut down asylum processing along the U.S.-Mexico border. Reports suggest that this executive order would halt asylum requests between ports of entry once illegal border crossings reach 2,500, with the border reopening once the number drops to 1,500.
This move represents a significant shift for President Biden, who is under bipartisan pressure to address the border issue, which recent polls indicate is a major political vulnerability for him ahead of November. A poll from last month showed that 64% of registered voters disapprove of his handling of border security.
However, critics of the president doubt that this expected executive order will have a substantial impact on his polling numbers or the situation at the southern border. Some argue that the order does not address the core issue of holding individuals who cross the border illegally, as it reportedly allows the first 2,500 to be released into the interior of the country.
Separately, in New York City, the NYPD has stated that charges are pending against a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant, Bernardo Raul Castro Maza, for allegedly shooting two officers early Monday. The incident occurred when officers attempted to stop Castro Maza for riding his moped on the wrong side of the street. After fleeing the scene, he reportedly fired at the officers. Castro Maza entered the country illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, last July.
