Migrants reportedly encouraged to cross border before Title 42 ended


Migrants were reportedly encouraged by an online "whisper network" in Mexico to cross the border into the United States before Title 42 ended, NBC News reported Saturday.
The U.S. code, which was enforced in 2020 to restrict immigration based on a public health necessity, was lifted this past week, resulting in a massive wave of migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. However, while at least 21,000 undocumented immigrants were caught entering the U.S. in the three days prior to Title 42's expulsion, Border Patrol officials told NBC only 6,200 were caught on Friday — the first day after Title 42 ended.
Part of this dropoff is likely due to "rapidly spreading online rumors and a whisper network in Juárez, Mexico," NBC reported, that encouraged migrants to cross into the United States before Title 42 expired. Described by Newsweek as "an informal chain of conversations," whisper networks first came to prominence as a way for women to disclose information about sexual harassment, but have since been implemented in other ways — such as an avenue for migrants to receive information.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The whisper network in Juárez made it clear that crossing the border once Title 42 ended would be extremely difficult, NBC reported, with Rosa, a Venezuelan migrant, telling the outlet there was "a lot of talk that after the end of Title 42 it was going to be very difficult to come into the United States."
Migrants were reportedly fearful of reprisals from Title 8, a U.S. code that allows illegal immigrants to be prosecuted. Title 8 penalties were suspended during Title 42's implementation, but the latter's expiration has now put those penalties back on the table.
As trouble continues, a number of border communities have declared disasters, and cities such as Chicago and New York City are bracing for humanitarian issues from an influx of migrants heading north.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.
-
What to know about private equity in your 401(k)
the explainer BlackRock is making private investments available in employer-sponsored retirement plans
-
The unsteady pace of Formula 1's US popularity
In Depth The racing sport is immensely popular in Europe but has seen mixed success in the US
-
An American girl takes on London, 'Bosch' gets another spinoff and Washington Black leaps from page to screen in July TV
the week recommends This month's new television releases include 'Too Much,' 'Ballard' and 'Washington Black'
-
Elon Musk launching 'America Party'
Speed Read The tech mogul promised to form a new political party if Trump's megabill passed Congress
-
Judge blocks Trump's asylum ban at US border
Speed Read The president violated federal law by shutting down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers, said the ruling
-
Thai court suspends prime minister over leaked call
Speed Read Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended, pending an ethics investigation
-
Senate passes GOP megabill after Alaska side deal
The pivotal yes vote came from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose support was secured following negotiated side deals for her home state Alaska
-
How would the Trump administration denaturalize immigrant citizens?
Today's Big Question Using civil courts lowers the burden of proof
-
Trump sues LA over immigration policies
Speed Read He is suing over the city's sanctuary law, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities
-
Obama, Bush and Bono eulogize USAID on final day
Speed Read The US Agency for International Development, a humanitarian organization, has been gutted by the Trump administration
-
Are masked ICE agents America's new secret police?
Today's Big Question Critics say masks undermine trust in law enforcement