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Desperate asylum seekers, migrants risk detention after breaching US border

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Desperate asylum seekers, migrants risk detention after breaching US border

A group of daring asylum seekers and migrants who are tired of endlessly waiting have reportedly breached the US-Mexico border risking almost certain detention by U.S. authorities, but hoping the illegal entry will allow them to apply for asylum.

According to reports, a number of them opted to eschew legal procedures and attempt an illegal entry from Tijuana as dusk fell on Monday at a spot about 1,500 feet (450 meters) away from the Pacific Ocean.

In less than an hour, Reuters reporters observed roughly two dozen people climb the approximately 10-foot (3-meter) fence made of thick sheets and pillars of metal. They chose a place in a large overgrown ditch where the fence is slightly lower.

Earlier, Karen Mayeni, a 29-year-old Honduran, sized up the fence while clinging to her three children, aged six, 11 and 12.

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“We’re just observing, waiting to see what happens,” Mayeni said. “We’ll figure out what to do in a couple of days.”

Ninety minutes later, she and her family were over the fence.

The development is coming after the US expanded its military power at the US-Mexico border as more asylum seekers and refugees arrive seeking greener pastures in ‘God’s own country’.

According to US defence chief, he has been given an extra authority from above to use military power at border if necessary.

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