Californians Arm Themselves as Border Crisis Spills into Streets
In the wake of the Border Patrol releasing thousands of migrants onto the streets of Southern California, residents are flocking to gun stores to arm themselves. With the border crisis hitting close to home, Californians are taking their safety into their own hands, leading to a surge in gun sales in the region.
Firearms Unlimited California Packed with Concerned Customers
Keith Carnevale, a customer at Firearms Unlimited California, expressed his growing concerns about the influx of migrants in the area. "My wife and I have had home defense guns for many years. Recently, though, with all the stuff that's happening south of the border and all the people coming over, my concerns have broadened," he said, echoing the sentiment of many residents.
Carnevale added, "I don't think it's just the people that are coming over to try to find work, I think we have a lot of hostile people that are coming over with ill will, ill intent that will potentially cause chaos." His concerns are shared by many in the community, leading to a significant increase in gun sales.
125,000 Migrants Released in the San Diego Area Since September
The San Diego area has become a hub for the border crisis, with roughly 125,000 migrants released onto the streets since September. This massive influx has left residents feeling unsettled and vulnerable, prompting them to take action to ensure their safety and the safety of their families.
Cory Gautereaux, owner of Firearms Unlimited California, has seen a direct correlation between the street dropoffs and his business. "The problem for people that live around the gun store is the street dropoffs," he said, referring to the Border Patrol's practice of busing migrants into the community and releasing them onto the streets.
California Becomes a New Hotspot for Illegal Border Crossings
As Texas tightens security along its border with Mexico, more migrants are making their way to California. The Border Patrol reported a daily average of 1,200 migrants crossing into the San Diego region illegally during the week ending on Feb. 4, while some of Texas' busiest sectors saw significantly fewer crossings during the same period.
The shift in migrant routes has put a strain on California's border communities, which are not equipped to handle the sudden influx of people. Anthony Carnevale, a customer at Firearms Unlimited California, expressed his concern, stating, "I don't think it's just a matter of the numbers of undocumented people, I think a lot of people are concerned about the state of our government to be just allowing this and why."
Residents Feel Unsafe as Border Crisis Hits Close to Home
Sharie Finn, a resident, told The Post that the border issue "1,000%" plays a role in her decision to buy a gun. She and her husband, Wally, run an organization that helps families find their missing loved ones, some of whom have been victims of predators who were in the country illegally.
"I have that with me everywhere I go," Sharie said, referring to her Glock pistol. The border crisis has left many residents feeling unsafe and vulnerable, leading them to take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Border Patrol Processing Centers Overwhelmed by Migrant Surge
The surge in illegal border crossings has overwhelmed Border Patrol processing centers in the San Diego region, which are now holding more than twice as many migrants as they can accommodate. This has led to the release of migrants onto the streets, as the Border Patrol can only hold them for up to 72 hours. The challenge of processing migrants quickly while also conducting thorough background checks has become increasingly difficult for the Border Patrol. In one case, Afghan national Mohammad Kharwin, whose name appeared on the terror watchlist, was arrested and released before his alleged ties to a terror group were discovered.
El Cajon Mayor Acknowledges Residents' Safety Concerns
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells recognizes that his residents are feeling unsafe due to the flood of illegal border crossers in the city. "We see the massive amounts of violence that's happening, a lot from the immigrant situation, but a lot from the homeless
situation as well," Wells told The Post.
"People are frightened and I do believe they're arming themselves more," Wells added, acknowledging the growing concern among his constituents and the increasing demand for firearms as a means of protection.
Migrants Thank Biden as Processing Centers Reach 245% Capacity
As Border Patrol processing centers in the San Diego region reach an eye-popping 245% capacity, migrants continue to pour into the area, with many thanking President Biden for allowing them entry into the United States.
The overwhelming number of migrants has put a strain on the Border Patrol's resources and ability to effectively process and screen those entering the country, leading to the release of thousands onto the streets of Southern California.
Terror Watchlist Suspect Released Due to Processing Challenges
In March 2023, border agents arrested and released Afghan national Mohammad Kharwin, whose name appeared on the terror watchlist. The FBI later notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that he was a suspected member of a US-designated terror group, but this information came almost a year after his release. The case highlights the challenges faced by the Border Patrol in processing migrants quickly while also conducting thorough background checks, raising concerns about the potential for dangerous individuals to slip through the cracks.
ICE Arrests Terror Suspect, Judge Orders Release
Following the revelation of Mohammad Kharwin's alleged ties to a terror group, ICE arrested him on Feb. 28 in San Antonio, Texas. However, an immigration judge subsequently ordered his release without knowledge of his alleged terror connections.
The incident further underscores the complexities and challenges of the border crisis, as well as the potential risks posed by the rapid processing and release of migrants without comprehensive background checks.
Homeland Security Confirms Terror Suspect in Custody
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that Mohammad Kharwin, the Afghan national with alleged ties to a US-designated terror group, is currently in custody. While this development provides some reassurance, it also highlights the need for more robust screening processes and the importance of effective communication between federal agencies to ensure public safety.
Border Communities Struggle to Cope with Migrant Influx
As thousands of migrants continue to be released onto the streets of Southern California, border communities are struggling to cope with the sudden influx of people. Local resources are being stretched thin, and residents are growing increasingly concerned about the impact on their communities.
The border crisis has left many border communities feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, leading to a growing sense of frustration and unease among residents.
Gun Sales Surge as Californians Seek to Protect Themselves
With the border crisis showing no signs of abating, Californians are taking matters into their own hands by purchasing firearms to protect themselves and their families. Gun stores in the region are reporting a significant increase in sales, as residents seek to arm themselves in the face of growing uncertainty. The surge in gun sales reflects the growing sense of unease and vulnerability felt by many Californians, as they grapple with the consequences of the border crisis in their communities.
Calls for Action to Address Border Crisis, Grow Louder
As the border crisis continues to impact communities across Southern California, calls for action to address the situation are growing louder. Residents, local officials, and lawmakers are demanding more support and resources from the federal government to help manage the influx of migrants and ensure public safety. The growing chorus of voices calling for action highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the complex challenges posed by the border crisis, both in California and across the nation.
Californians Remain Resilient in the Face of Border Crisis
Despite the challenges posed by the border crisis, Californians remain resilient and determined to protect their communities. As residents arm themselves and call for action, they demonstrate their unwavering commitment to safeguarding their way of life and ensuring a safe future for their families. The border crisis has tested the resolve of Southern California communities, but the spirit of resilience and determination displayed by residents serves as a testament to their strength and unity in the face of adversity.
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