Editor’s Note: This story was corrected on Feb. 6. 2024 to accurately reflect the parts played by the federal agencies in this case.
EAGLE PASS, TEXAS (NewsNation) — A migrant processing facility called “Firefly,” was evacuated after potential threats were allegedly made by two known extremists planning to “overthrow it by any means necessary,” according to multiple Customs and Border Protection sources.
The facility, situated just outside Eagle Pass, was being guarded by CBP agents Saturday and NewsNation’s Ali Bradley reported the FBI had been alerted to the threats which allegedly claimed the facility was a “smuggling hub.”
Although the extremist groups have not attempted to breach the facility, law enforcement remains on high alert.
In a statement to NewsNation, CBP officials said “threats of violence against law enforcement personnel and migrants are unacceptable.”
Approximately 20 miles south in Quemado, Texas, tensions over the border crisis escalated as the “Take Our Border Back” convoy expressed their frustrations. The convoy, adorned with American flags and endorsing former President Donald Trump, arrived in the small town Friday night.
Law enforcement officials, wary of possible outside groups taking advantage of the convoy’s presence, are maintaining vigilance. Despite assurances from the convoy that their objectives are peaceful, concerns linger among authorities.
The convoy, dubbed “God’s Army” by its creators, began in Norfolk, Virginia, and had made previous stops in Florida and Louisiana. Their goal was to head towards Eagle Pass, Texas, to, as they say, support local law enforcement.
The immigration debate has become a focal point in this election year, with the group emphasizing its mission to raise awareness about the border crisis. Some members of the convoy shared that they have been on the road for over five days as part of this awareness-raising effort.
During the rally in Quemado, Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, voiced his support for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s initiatives to secure the state’s border. Despite earlier rumors suggesting that protesters might detain migrants crossing illegally, no such incidents occurred during the peaceful rally.
The situation remains fluid, with law enforcement closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety and security of all involved parties.
The number of migrant encounters at the Southwest border plummeted 42% from December to January, but it was still a record high to start the calendar year, sources tell NewsNation.
U.S. Border Patrol agents and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers encountered 176,294 migrants in January, compared to a whopping 302,034 in December, an all-time high for one month, according to CBP data. The number of migrant encounters at the Southwest border last January was 157,358.