Border Patrol says it’s pausing social media to deal with migrant surge

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The U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector said Sunday it is pausing social media as the agency deals with a surge of migrants at the border.  

Chief Patrol Agent John R. Modlin said all Tucson Sector Border Patrol social media accounts will be paused "until further notice" in light of the ongoing migration surge. 

The Tucson Sector has been overwhelmed by a surge of migrants in the past week.  (USBP)

"We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this challenging time," Modlin tweeted. 

Fox News’ Bill Melugin notes the pause in social media activity comes days after the sector reported having 15,300 illegal crossings last week – its highest weekly total ever. 

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The week also included the seizure of 117 lbs. of fentanyl, 78 federal criminal cases, 17 rescues, 14 human smuggling events, and three narcotics events. 

"Regardless of the reasoning behind this – this is such a bad look. Essentially – the border crisis in the sector is so bad that they’re going to cut off all communication and transparency with the public," Melugin tweeted. "We routinely use the photos & data from this account. It’s unacceptable." 

The sector is routinely overwhelmed with 2,000 to 2,500 illegal crossings per day. Border crossings are said to come from all over the globe, including parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. 

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"Border Patrol field leaders determine how to prioritize and best deploy personnel and resources under their command, including generating local social media content," a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

"CBP is always committed to transparency and accountability, and local social media accounts are only one tool we use to provide information to the public."