Homeland Security Secretary Admits High Rate of Release for Illegal Immigrants at Southern Border
Alejandro Mayorkas reveals that over 85% of apprehended migrants are released into the US
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has privately admitted to Border Patrol agents that the current rate of release for illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border is “above 85%,” according to sources. This revelation comes after Mayorkas was questioned about reports that over 70% of migrants are released into the US each day. The admission sheds light on the challenges faced by the Biden administration in managing the historic migrant crisis and highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform.
Mayorkas acknowledges high release rate during private meeting with agents
During a meeting with Border Patrol agents in Eagle Pass, Texas, Mayorkas confirmed that the rate of release for apprehended migrants is “above 85%,” according to multiple sources who were present. This admission contradicts Mayorkas’ previous statement on a news program where he acknowledged that “well more than a million” migrants are released into the US annually. Mayorkas attributed the high release rate to limited detention capacity and the need for Congress to provide additional funding and immigration reform.
Republicans blame Biden-era policies for the migrant crisis
Republicans have been quick to blame the Biden administration’s policies for the historic migrant crisis, which saw 302,000 migrant encounters last month alone. They argue that the broad use of parole, narrowed ICE enforcement, and the halting of wall construction have contributed to the surge in illegal border crossings. The administration, on the other hand, argues that it is dealing with a hemisphere-wide crisis and requires more funding and comprehensive immigration reform from Congress to address the root causes of irregular migration.
Mayorkas highlights removals and returns as a significant accomplishment
Despite the high release rate, Mayorkas emphasized the administration’s efforts to remove or return migrants. He stated that since May, more than 470,000 people have been removed or returned, surpassing the total for the entire fiscal year 2019. Mayorkas also highlighted that the majority of all Southwest Border migrant encounters throughout the current administration have resulted in removal, return, or expulsion. However, critics argue that these numbers are still insufficient given the scale of the crisis.
House Homeland Security Committee holds impeachment hearing
The House Homeland Security Committee is set to hold its first impeachment hearing, featuring state attorneys general who will testify about the impact of the migrant crisis on their states. This hearing comes after a year of investigations and reports by the committee on the handling of the nearly three-year migrant crisis. The testimonies are expected to shed light on the consequences of the broken immigration system and the urgent need for reform.
The White House requests border funding from Congress
To address the ongoing crisis, the White House has requested $14 billion in border funding from Congress as part of its emergency supplemental spending proposal. However, this request is facing resistance from Republicans who are demanding stricter restrictions on the release of migrants into the interior. The funding is crucial for improving detention capacity, enhancing border security, and implementing comprehensive immigration reforms.
Conclusion:
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ admission of a high release rate for apprehended migrants at the southern border highlights the challenges faced by the Biden administration in managing the historic migrant crisis. While the administration emphasizes its efforts to remove or return migrants, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of irregular migration and fix the broken immigration system. The upcoming impeachment hearing and the request for border funding from Congress further underscore the urgency of comprehensive immigration reform. As the crisis continues to unfold, finding a solution that balances border security and humanitarian concerns remains a pressing challenge for the United States.