Homeland initiative adds agents, enforces immigration laws

Associated Press

ARTESIA, N.M. – Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Wednesday outlined a multiyear plan to reduce illegal immigration and make the nation's borders more secure after a tour of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center here.

The Secure Borders Initiative calls for having more agents to patrol the borders, secure ports of entry and enforce immigration laws; eliminating the "catch-and-release" policy under which some illegal immigrants are freed pending hearings; and upgrading technology to control the borders, Mr. Chertoff's office said in a news release.

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"The ability of individuals to enter our country outside legal channels is a threat to our homeland security," Mr. Chertoff said. "Flagrant violation of our borders undercuts the rule of law, undermines our security and imposes particular economic strains on our border communities."

The idea behind the initiative is to change the way immigration issues have been viewed, he said.

"We will address all aspects of the border security problem across the board – deterrence, detection, response, apprehension, detention and removal," he said.

Homeland Security said it is developing capabilities to send every illegal immigrant back home – no exceptions.

The department said it will create enough space to detain illegal immigrants and is streamlining the process for removal, minimizing their time in detention.

The initiative also plans enforcement at work sites to ensure that employees are in the country legally and are authorized to work, the agency said.

The department said implementing the initiative would include discussions with the governments of Mexico and Canada.

Congress this year passed a measure that funds an additional 1,000 Border Patrol agents. It also includes about $3.9 million in funding and fees for enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this year.