CLAIM: Video clip shows U.S. soldier opening a gate on a border fence and allowing migrants to enter the country illegally, in violation of U.S. code.
AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. Federal officials say the migrants had already crossed the border and were already on U.S. soil when they passed through the gated fence. An immigration expert also rejected claims the soldier’s actions violated federal regulations dealing with undocumented immigrants.
THE FACTS: With last week’s end of asylum restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, social media users have been sharing videos purporting to show how migrants are now crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in droves.
One clip being widely shared online shows a group of migrants walking beside a tall chain-link fence and then passing single file through a gate while a U.S. soldier in military fatigues looks on. The group then boards a large white bus on the other side of the fence.
“American soldiers exposed on camera opening the gate for illegal immigrants entry to America, which is a violation of US code 1324 and 1327,” the text over the clip reads.
“A thorough investigation is needed,” wrote one Instagram user who shared the video.
But there’s nothing illegal about the scene captured on surveillance video Monday morning, say officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as well as an immigration law expert.
The federal agency said the migrants were already legally on U.S. soil, having crossed the Rio Grande River earlier.
Park Filed Complaint Against President Lee Ahead of 2021 Election Jang Youngha Sentenced to One Year in Prison, Two Years Probation Confirmed The police have launched an investigation into Park Chu...