The number of arrests of illegal immigrants at the border has reached a maximum in the last 12 years

The head of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kirsten Nielsen 6 in March gave a frightening assessment of the migration crisis on the southern border of the United States, informing the House Committee of Representatives that illegal immigration is "out of control" and assuming that the crisis will "worsen" in the coming months.

Фото: Depositphotos

According to her, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are on their way to apprehend almost 1 a million illegal immigrants this year, writes Fox News.

“In February, we saw a 30 percent jump from the previous month, with agents apprehending nearly 75 foreigners. This is 000% more than in the same period last year. And I can report today that CBP predicts the problem will get even worse in the spring when the weather improves,” Nielsen said during testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee.

“We want to strengthen legal immigration and welcome more people to the United States through a merit-based system that will enhance our economic vitality and the vibrancy of our diverse nation. We will also continue to defend our humanitarian ideals. But illegal immigration is simply out of control and threatens public safety and national security,” she said.

Nielsen's statement came the day after the administration of US President Donald Trump released data indicating that more than 2000 migrants were being detained at the American border every day, a total of 268 000 people were detained since the beginning of the fiscal year. According to DHS, the number of illegal immigrants at the border is the highest since 2007.

“We are facing a crisis - a real, serious and persistent crisis at our borders. We see tens of thousands of illegal immigrants arriving here every month. We see drugs, criminals and violence pouring into our country every week,” Nielsen said.

The head of the Department of Homeland Security expressed concern not only about the number of illegal crossings of the American border, but also because of the growing number of unaccompanied families and children who are being delayed while trying to cross the border.

“More than 60% of the current flow consists of family units and unaccompanied alien children, in addition, 60% of illegal immigrants are not Mexican,” she explained.

The figures, published by DHS 5 March, show that the levels of detention of illegal immigrants trying to cross the border as a family and unaccompanied children increased by 338 and 54 per cent, respectively.

Nielsen predicted a catastrophe if the flow of migrants continues to grow: "Our capabilities are already on the verge, and a new increase will completely crush the system."

“This is not a “production” crisis. This is truly an emergency situation,” she emphasized.

Nielsen’s speech before the Congress took place at the height of the debate between Trap and representatives of the Democratic Party because of the state of emergency at the border.

Trump declared a state of emergency in February after Congress passed a government spending bill that allocated just $1,4 billion for border barriers, significantly less than Trump's $5,7 billion demand.

The emergency declaration would give Trump access to an additional $3,6 billion to fulfill his campaign promise to build a border wall with Mexico, but the move has drawn fierce opposition from Democrats and some Republicans. In connection with this, Congress is trying to block the president's decision. Which in turn could cause Trump to use the veto for the first time in his entire presidency.

In her speech, Nielsen called on Congress to enact laws that would ensure the “safe and quick return” of the children of illegal immigrants to their home countries and, in her words, close loopholes that allow criminals to enter the United States.

Meanwhile, CBP Commissioner Kevin Makalinen said during a speech in the Senate Legal Committee that the initial investment in the Trump Wall project was “used for good,” and the constructed barriers in key areas “had a direct impact” on curbing illegal immigration.

He also noted an increase in migration flows, especially of families and children, and said that in the El Paso sector, the number of arrests increased by 434% this fiscal year.

According to him, the situation is aggravated by the fact that illegals are in large groups, which complicates the process of control and processing of their documents.

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