New migrant facility planned for El Paso

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the number of migrant families crossing the southwest border is again breaking records, officials said Tuesday they were building a new facility to manage them, while warning the crush is overwhelming border agents and straining facilities.

More than 76,000 migrants crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally last month, more than double the number from the same period last year. Migrant families are coming in ever-increasingly large groups — there were 70 groups of more than 100 people in the past few months, and they cross in extremely rural locations with few agents and staff. There were only 13 large groups during the previous budget year, and only two the year before.

The system “is well beyond capacity, and remains at the breaking point,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection Kevin McAleenan said a press conference Tuesday.

After the deaths of two migrant children in Border Patrol custody, the agency stepped up medical screenings. They also announced sweeping changes including more rigorous interviews.