I traveled to Matamoros, Mexico, one of the most dangerous cities in the country, where I visited a refugee camp and spoke directly with migrants and the volunteers supporting them. When I asked why so many were coming to the U.S. border, I was told it was because they believed the borders were open. During the Biden administration, propaganda spread the false idea of an open border, creating a surge of people fleeing violence who thought this was their chance to enter the U.S.

When they arrived, migrants discovered they still had to navigate the complex asylum process. Even after a detailed explanation, I found it difficult to fully understand, despite holding a master’s degree. This left many migrants stranded in camps for long periods, where they became vulnerable to kidnappings, extortion, and brutal violence, including ransom demands, torture, and in some cases executions in front of family members.

This humanitarian crisis was fueled by a false narrative that the U.S. border was open. In reality, the asylum system remained unchanged, and the misinformation left thousands of people trapped in dangerous conditions.

If you want to help, please consider donating to the American Catholic Church organization that brought me to this camp: delcamino.org. Their work has been life changing, and I am grateful for the compassion and faith-driven service they provide to people in crisis. #borderpatrol #iceindallastx #immigration #bordercrisis #tomhoman