Migrants are processed before being expelled to Mexico from the US under Title 42, which allows for the immediate expulsion due to the coronavirus pandemic, at the Paso Del Norte International Bridge in El Paso, Texas on Sept 1, 2021. (PAUL RATJE / AFP)
MEXICO CITY – Fourteen Mexican soldiers were detained early Saturday morning for several hours by US border agents after they crossed into El Paso, Texas, from Mexico's Ciudad Juarez, the US Customs and Border Protection said.
"Just after midnight today CBP officers working at the Bridge of the America's international crossing in El Paso noted two Mexican military vehicles crossing the boundary and entering the US," the CBP told Reuters in an emailed statement.
Thirteen of the 14 Mexican soldiers were processed without incident, but one soldier was assessed a civil penalty after US Customs and Border Portection officers discovered a personal use amount of marijuana in his possession
The 14 Mexican soldiers said they did not realize they had entered the United States and US border agents secured their weapons and equipment for "safety and processing," said the CBP, adding that Mexican military leadership was contacted and arrived at the port shortly thereafter.
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Thirteen of the 14 Mexican soldiers were processed without incident, but one soldier was assessed a civil penalty after CBP officers discovered a personal use amount of marijuana in his possession.
All 14 soldiers, their equipment and vehicles were returned to Mexico before 5 am, said the CBP.
Mexico's Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Due to the incident, the border crossing was closed for about two hours, a witness to the events said.
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"The CBP (agents) yelled at the soldiers to put their hands up and drop their weapons immediately," said the witness, who asked not to be named.
The CBP agents searched the vehicles and then escorted away the soldiers, which appeared to be handcuffed, according to the witness and photos of the situation that Reuters saw.
