Citing “credible information” from federal officials regarding a potential surge in migrants at the border, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez signed a disaster declaration.

The groups could potentially surge the border upon the expiration of Title 42, Cortez stated in the Thursday news release. 

READ THE DECLARATION HERE

“I have received credible information from officials with Customs and Border Protection that large groups of migrants are probing our international border in search of crossing points,” Cortez stated in the news release. “I have decided to declare this emergency as a first step in securing all available state and federal resources to ensure the health and safety of our residents.”

The disaster declaration goes into effect immediately and last for seven days, unless the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court extends the declaration.

The release noted Hidalgo County has no authority when it comes to immigration. Despite that, county officials have been working closely to provide any support that federal and state law enforcement may require.