ICE spokesperson weighs in on immigration influx

Border Patrol facilities are bursting at the seams, according to reports.

The Department of Homeland Security said there are more than 12,000 migrants in custody at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The agency can only hold and process around 9,000 people. An official claimed the optimal processing time for migrants is about an hour and a half per person but as more people enter facilities, wait times can increase.

As for the Yuma Sector, it apprehended more than 800 people in just the past two days and there have been thousands of illegal crossings in the past few months.

In February, there were 66,450 apprehensions along the Southwest border, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Residents who live nearby the processing center explained how living so close makes them feel.

” You’ve got to take them somewhere, ” explained John Tuft. ” I despise people that coming in the country illegally. People come in legal, the immigrants, fine, but the illegals should not be allowed in. ”

Another resident explained he thought there is a better solution to address the influx of illegal crossings.

” They handle everything they can, as best as they can, ” said Lester Nodruft . ” There probably only one to two percent that is bad people. These are people that are trying to better their lives and make a better life for themselves because they know it is better. ”

Once those who enter the country illegally are processed by Border Patrol, they are sent to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

” From Dec. 21, 2018 through March 5, 2019, ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Arizona have processed approximately 14,500 family unit members for release and will continue to coordinate with external organizations who continue to provide assistance with basic needs of temporary shelter, food, water, clothing and transportation services to families released in Arizona, ” said Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe, ICE spokesperson.

In a statement from ICE, Pitts O’Keefe explained they have been trimming the reviews process since October 7.

” As a result, family units (FAMU) continue to cross the border at high volumes and are likely to continue to do so, as they face no consequence for their actions. Prior to releasing a FAMU within the time allotted by judicial decisions interpreting the Flores Settlement Agreement, ICE reviews their post-release plan, including ensuring they have the means to reach a final destination within the United States, ” said Pitts O’Keefe. ” In light of the incredibly high volume of FAMUs presenting themselves along the Arizona border. ICE no longer has the capacity to conduct these reviews without risking violation of the Flores limitations on lengths of stay for minors in both CBP and ICE custody. ”