U.S. Homeland Security Chief Calls For More Migrant Detention Sites Following Immigration Surge

AUSTIN, TX — A marked increase in apprehensions of undocumented immigrants along the southwest border with Mexico during October has prompted Homeland Security officials to call for additional detention space for detained migrants, the chief of the agency said Friday.

In October, a total of 46,195 individuals were apprehended between ports of entry along the southwest border — a jump from 39,501 in September and 37,048 in August, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said in a press release. Among those totals are increases in the numbers of unaccompanied children and families, as well as people presenting themselves at border points of entry seeking asylum, Johnson said.

"I have told our border security and immigration enforcement personnel that we must keep pace with this increase," Johnson said in a prepared statement. "As a result, there are currently about 41,000 individuals in our immigration detention facilities — typically, the number in immigration detention fluctuates between 31,000 and 34,000 — and I have authorized U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to acquire additional detention space for single adults so that those apprehended at the border can be returned to their home countries as soon as possible."

Johnson said the bolstered number of immigrants has sparked engagement with officials at a number of the migrants' countries of origin to repatriate them more quickly, and they have agreed to do so, Johnson said.

"Our borders cannot be open to illegal migration," Johnson said. "We must, therefore, enforce the immigration laws consistent with our priorities. Those priorities are public safety and border security."

The priority in terms of deportations from among the throngs will focus on those individuals with past criminal records, Johnson added. "Specifically, we prioritize the deportation of undocumented immigrants who are convicted of serious crimes and those apprehended at the border attempting to enter the country illegally," he said. "Recently, I have reiterated to our Enforcement and Removal personnel that they must continue to pursue these enforcement activities."

He issued a stern warning to migrants, alerting them they will be sent back to their countries upon capture: "Those who attempt to enter our country without authorization should know that, consistent with our laws and our values, we must and we will send you back."

The secretary urged those wishing to gain entry into the U.S. to do so through the proper channels, including those petitioning for asylum for humanitarian reasons.

"Once again, I encourage migrants and their families to pursue the various safe and legal paths available for those in need of humanitarian protection in the United States," Johnson said.

He reminded of a previous agreement by the government of Costa Rica to enter into a protection transfer arrangement with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration to help address the migration challenge originating from Central America.

"This will enable vulnerable residents in the region to be considered for refugee protection in the United States after being screened and interviewed by DHS officers," Johnson said. "We have also announced expansion of the categories of individuals eligible for participation in our Central American Minors program when accompanied by a qualified child. We encourage use of these programs."

>>> Photo: South Texas border patrol agents from the Laredo Horse Patrol Unit, Sept. 25, 2013, by Donna Burton, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, via Wikimedia Commons