Staff Reports
The Trump administration appears ready to wield its trusty Title 42 authority once again, a measure designed to swiftly boot migrants from the country under the guise of public health. It’s a policy that was first utilized to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic but now seems set to make a comeback in response to far messier problems, such as measles and chickenpox outbreaks on the U.S.-Mexico border. The use of Title 42 allowed immigration officials to kick out illegal entrants nearly in the blink of an eye, and frankly, what could be more American than that?
Internal documents examined by CBS News suggest that this revival of Title 42 isn’t just about kicking out folks who wandered over the border uninvited. It’s a calculated strategy against the entry of disease—specifically tuberculosis, which migrants might bring along for the ride. Customs and Border Protection insiders are buzzing about various ways to ramp up removal options, and there’s chatter about bringing back Title 42 like it’s an old friend who can help out during trying times. Migration patterns are evidently being influenced by health crises both sides of the border, proving that the right policy can hit two birds with one stone: protecting public health while securing the borders.
Trump Admin may revive Title 42. Trump preparing to immediately expel migrants who pose a health risk on the basis of spreading diseases like tuberculosis o or measles. Currently 100+ measles cases in TX. Developing! 🚨 https://t.co/RyphszADjF
— Esther Valdes Clayton (@Esther_Valdes) February 24, 2025
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the correlation between outbreaks of diseases such as measles and chickenpox and an ever-flowing stream of illegal crossings. Reports out of Piedras Negras indicate that public schools there are in the thick of a Varicella outbreak, with dozens of children testing positive. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting at least 90 cases of measles, the worst outbreak in 30 years, largely attributed to an under-vaccinated Mennonite community. It’s almost like these diseases were jealous of all the media attention Covid received during the lockdowns.
As Title 42 could potentially come back swinging, it’s likely that the number of daily illegal crossings—which are already at a low of fewer than 300—will dip even further. Under Trump’s leadership, this figure plummeted, and it looks like the same approach could work once more. With immigration officials preparing to exercise their authority, there’s a strong chance that folks might think twice before risking a dangerous voyage to find themselves facing instant removal.
While some circles may grumble about the reinstatement of Title 42, the nail in the coffin for those arguments could very well be the health implications that the American public is now facing. After all, priorities matter, and ensuring the safety and health of citizens should always come first. Just like Trump did when he enacted this measure initially, reinstating Title 42 serves the dual purpose of enhancing border security and protecting communities all across America. And if that involves shipping out those pesky carriers of diseases like measles, then sign them up for a one-way ticket back to wherever they came from.
