AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has confirmed the arrests of 214 illegal immigrants on state rioting charges in connection with the March 21, 2024, incident near Gate 36 in El Paso. According to DPS, "The illegal immigrants attempted to breach the concertina wire and make illegal entry into the United States."

The group, consisting of adult males and females from Venezuela, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador, had previously been in federal custody for improper entry. They have now been rebooked on state rioting charges, a class B misdemeanor. DPS stated, "All 214 will be held until they can be taken by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE)."

In addition to the 214 individuals facing misdemeanor charges, "nine people are facing felony rioting charges," DPS reported. "Seven of those people are currently in custody and have been booked into the El Paso County Jail." The remaining two individuals wanted for felony rioting have warrants issued for their arrest.

The arrests were made as part of a law enforcement operation aimed at addressing state crimes related to the incident near Gate 36. DPS's actions underline the commitment to enforcing state laws and maintaining order in the region.