HOUSTON — Migrants who were let into the US just hours before President Trump ordered the border sealed say they’re grateful they made it before the shutdown.
“Many of us got here before Trump came to office, like in my case,” John Sanchez, 30, a dual citizen of Colombia and Venezuela, told The Post at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston Wednesday.
Nearby, a handful of migrants huddled near an airport payphone waiting for family to send money for their flights elsewhere around the US.
The migrants, who hailed from Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Syria and Brazil, flashed their release paperwork provided by border agents who set them free in the nick of time before Trump ended the Biden administration’s “catch-and-release” policy.
Illegal immigrants stopped at the border can only be released with the approval from the Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington, according to new orders given to Border Patrol agents this week.
Previously, migrants were let go with a court date, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has now been empowered to instead send them back to their countries of origin.
Sanchez said he crossed into the country by way of Eagle Pass, Texas, and was released on Inauguration Day. He said the border is now “closed.”
“We’re lucky that we’ve been given a kind of parole. It’s nothing permanent, but it’s something that gives us the chance to find something more permanent.”
Sanchez’s destination was Charlotte, North Carolina, where he said he has a friend.
As for what he’d say to Trump if given the chance, Sanchez said he wishes the newly sworn-in president would be more understanding about illegal border crossers.
“He should be more understanding of the people who are doing good in the US and not doing anything wrong over those who come here to do evil,” Sanchez said.
“You do have the right to slam the law on those who do wrongs, but for us doing things right, we should be given the opportunity.”
Brazilian migrant Ellos said he feels protected because he was allowed in, but said he felt Trump is “making a lot of mistakes” by “taking away opportunities for people who want to come to the US.”
“He’s making it harder for people,” said Ellos.
“I’m not worried about my case, because I’m protected by the law, but I’m worried for others who are going through this.”
Migrants expressed similar sentiments at the ICE office in Chicago.
Jorge, 28, from Ecuador, who was there for an appointment with immigration officials the day after Trump took office, said was afraid to venture out due to the stringent new enforcement regime set in motion by the president.
But, he thought that it was his “responsibility” to show up as directed.
“If I miss one of these appointments, it’s worse, so I went out with fear but faith in God that everything would be ok,” he said.
He said he left his home country for “complicated reasons,” and that returning could put his life in danger.
Jorge said he entered the US near Eagle Pass by himself about a year ago.
As for why he chose Chicago, he said, “I like it here. It’s a beautiful city that has treated me super well.”
He said he thinks it’s “a shame” the border has been closed, and said if he could tell the president anything it would be that “many of the people who are here want to be OK,” he told The Post.
“I’m here due to a personal problem in my life and because I want a future for my children and my family, for our well being,” he added.
“We want the opportunity to do things right. We’re here doing everything we’re told. We’re going through the process they’re asking for. I’ve followed everything to the letter.”
He acknowledged that some illegal immigrants “do things wrong,” but insisted “not all of us are trying to hurt this country. We’ve come here to work, to do things right. We just want the opportunity to do things right.”