Venezuelan migrants surprised to learn that they will be returned to Mexico under new Biden admin policy
Department of Homeland Security announced a new border enforcement operation that will return many Venezuelan migrants to Mexico
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A group of roughly 30 Venezuelan migrants were surprised to learn that they will be returned to Mexico under a new Department of Homeland Security policy announced on Wednesday.
Fox News correspondent Griff Jenkins approached the migrants in Eagle Pass, Texas, shortly after they were apprehended Thursday.
"Did you know Venezuelans will be returned to Mexico now?" Jenkins asked the group.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We did not know anything," one migrant said.
A group of Venezuelan migrants were surprised to learn from a Fox News correspondent that they would be returned to Mexico under a new Biden administration policy announced this week. (Fox News)
"Please receive us, have benevolence with Venezuela, because we are in need," another migrant told Jenkins.
Other migrants said they "have nowhere to go to in Mexico" and that the country "is dangerous."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Biden administration announced a new border enforcement operation with Mexico that includes a parole program to provide a legal pathway for Venezuelans.
A Venezuelan migrant couple seeking asylum kiss after crossing the Rio Bravo to turn themselves in to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to request asylum in El Paso, Texas. (REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez)
The program, capped at just 24,000 people, requires Venezuelans to have a financial supporter in the U.S., pass security screenings and complete basic health requirements.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"These actions make clear that there is a lawful and orderly way for Venezuelans to enter the United States, and lawful entry is the only way," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday about the program. "Those who attempt to cross the southern border of the United States illegally will be returned to Mexico and will be ineligible for this process in the future."
The U.S.-Mexico border fence ends at the eastern edge of the Tohono O’odham Reservation in Arizona. (Reuters/Rebecca Noble)
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The new border enforcement operation will also increase checkpoints at the southern border and crack down on human trafficking operations.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Customs and Border Protection reported more than 25,000 encounters of Venezuelan migrants at the border in August, up from about 6,000 encounters in August of last year.
Fox News' Adam Shaw contributed to this report.