The small town of Eagle Pass, Texas, is grappling with a significant increase in the number of migrants illegally crossing the Rio Grande, leading to a surge in emergency calls and drownings. The Eagle Pass Fire Department is facing the brunt of this crisis, with their first responders being dispatched to the Rio Grande or Customs and Border Protection holding facilities almost every hour. Fire Chief Manuel Mello revealed that dealing with migrant-related emergencies is costing the city an additional $21,000 per day.
According to Chief Mello, the Eagle Pass Fire Department is now receiving an average of 45 EMS calls per day, with approximately 30 of them related to migrants since mid-September. This is a significant increase compared to the previous average of around 30 calls in total. Responding to these calls costs the department roughly $700 each, resulting in a daily expense of approximately $21,000. Chief Mello emphasized that the city bears this financial burden.
The types of emergencies the fire department deals with include minor injuries, hypothermia, heart attacks, broken bones, and even childbirth. With only one hospital in the area, there are instances where patients have to wait inside the ambulance for 20 to 30 minutes due to overcrowding. The situation has become overwhelming for both the fire department and the healthcare system.
The migrant surge has reached record levels at the southern border, with over 10,000 migrants being held in CBP facilities around Eagle Pass. On December 20, Rep. Tony Gonzalez reported that approximately 4,000 migrants crossed into the city the previous day. Chief Mello expressed frustration, stating that there is insufficient funding to address this crisis, leading to financial losses for the city.
Eagle Pass has not received reimbursement from the federal government for the expenses incurred due to the migrant surge, as confirmed by Rep. Gonzalez. Assistant Fire Chief Rodulfo Cardona revealed that the city has lost over $500,000 in responding to migrant-related incidents this year. The financial strain extends beyond the city government, affecting local businesses as well. The surge in migrants prompted the closure of an international railroad crossing from Eagle Pass to Piedras Negras, Mexico, resulting in a loss of shoppers during the holiday season.
Chief Mello urged the federal government to take action and halt the influx of migrants, emphasizing the need for stronger measures. The situation in Eagle Pass has become untenable, with drownings, overwhelmed emergency services, and financial losses. It is imperative for the government to address this crisis promptly.
