'I'm praying to God!' Migrants massing as Trump's border czar issues deportation warning
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GB NEWS
Migrants planning to cross the US-Mexico border have been left praying as Donald Trump's triumph sparks a flurry of attempted crossings ahead of a mass deportation drive.
In the open-air hall of Senda de Vida shelter, where more than 800 migrants seek refuge from the scorching Mexican heat, tears were flowing freely as Pastor Hector Silva led a sombre prayer service to mourn the 78-year-old's victory.
"If Harris had won, people would be jumping for joy and as you can see right now, they look sad, they are feeling down," Pastor Silva told The Telegraph.
The shelter, perched on a hill in Reynosa, has become a gathering point for those waiting to enter the US legally rather than attempting dangerous river crossings.
Migrants massing as Trump's border tsar issues deportation warning
REUTERS
The migrants at Senda de Vida are pinning their hopes on the CBP One app, a system introduced by Joe Biden in January 2023.
The app was designed to deter illegal crossings by providing a legal pathway into the United States through official land crossings.
Those who secure appointments through the system can apply for work permits after being vetted and released from US custody.
Successful applicants receive notice to appear in immigration court, though cases typically take years to be decided.
The programme has proven significant, with almost one million migrants entering through official Mexican border crossings since its launch.
Each morning, the US Government releases 1,450 new appointments, with 30 per cent reserved for those who have waited longest in Mexico.
However, the future of the CBP One system appears uncertain following Trump's electoral triumph.
Tom Homan
REUTERS
The former President, who campaigned on a promise to deport millions of migrants, has explicitly vowed to terminate what he called the "Kamala phone app for smuggling illegals".
Trump's post-victory actions have heightened concerns, with his appointment of two immigration hardliners to his administration.
Tom Homan, his former acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was appointed as Trump's border czar shortly after his victory.
Homan has since issued stark warnings to Democratic Governors, telling them to "get the hell out of the way" if they attempt to block mass deportation plans.
At Senda de Vida, migrants are now racing against time, praying their appointments will come through before Trump takes office.
Berta Lisa Matute, who wept in private after Trump's victory to shield her children from her distress, said: "I hope that God illuminates Trump so he doesn't get rid of the app, or that maybe there's another way we can go through, because everything we have been through was very difficult."
Migrants gather at the southern border
REUTERS
The prospect of returning to Honduras also fills her with dread.
"It's not safe in Honduras, I would not want to go back," Matute explained.
However, Homan is expected to push ahead with deportations upon entering office in January.
Speaking to Fox News on Monday, Homan said: "I've seen some of these Democratic governors say theyre going to stand in the way. Theyre going to make it hard for us.
"A suggestion: if youre not going to help us, get the hell out of the way for were going to do it.
"So, if we cant get assistance from New York City, we may have to double the number of agents we send to New York City because were going to do the job. Were going to do the job without you or with you."
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