DHS Sec. Mayorkas warns migrants of smuggler's lies as Title 42 ends | USA TODAY

Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told migrants "do not believe lies of smugglers" as he warns of "tougher consequences" as Title 42 expired.

An emergency immigration restriction which allowed easier expulsion of migrants at the southern border has ended after more than three years, likely accelerating a surge of asylum seekers that had already begun in anticipation of the change.

The controversial Title 42 program had been tied to the federal public health emergency for COVID-19. That also expired at the end of May 11.

The Biden administration, which had been blocked by the Supreme Court from ending the Trump-era policy earlier, has been preparing for the change for nearly two years.