Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamin Huffman on Thursday announced the findings of a study calling for immediate action from the federal government to combat the “actual or threatened large influx” of illegal immigrants arriving at the southern border.
In his findings, Huffman called on all 50 states to assist the federal government with immigration enforcement.
The commissioner determined that “circumstances exist in all 50 states that involve the administration of U.S. immigration laws and endanger the life, property, safety, or welfare of their residents.”
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Migrants deported from the United States stand on the El Chaparral border pedestrian bridge in Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, January 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)
“Furthermore, we have found that a large actual or impending influx of aliens has arrived at the southern border of the United States, presenting an urgent situation that requires immediate federal response.” said. “Therefore, I request the assistance of state and local governments in all 50 states.”
The findings are effective immediately and will expire in 60 days unless extended. The 60 days would give officials time to assist with immigration enforcement on behalf of local and state law enforcement.
Some states, including California, are likely to back away from efforts to assist federal immigration authorities. On Thursday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said local and state enforcement agencies cannot be ordered to carry out federal immigration operations.
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This split map shows President Donald Trump and immigrants at the southern border. (Getty Images)
“It is well established through years of Supreme Court precedent that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from conscripting states to enforce federal law,” Bonta said in a statement. “Although the federal government may use its own resources to enforce federal immigration enforcement, the court in Prinz v. The court ruled that the costs cannot be covered.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has also strengthened its policy to limit cooperation with immigration authorities.
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“It’s not my job. There’s too much to do,” LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill recently told 8News.
Additionally, the Justice Department is asking federal prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who obstruct immigration enforcement.
As part of his findings, Huffman noted that over the past four years, more than 8 million illegal immigrants have entered the United States through the southern border, and millions more have evaded detection.
Migrants head to a Border Patrol van after entering the country illegally and waiting to apply for asylum between the two border walls separating Mexico and the United States, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
“Over the past four years, our southern border has been under control. Last month, Border Patrol encountered 47,330 foreign nationals along our southern border,” the study said. “Although this number is down significantly from its peak over the past four years, it is still too high. Many are subject to restrictions on “forced detention.” ”
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He cited times under the Biden administration when those numbers were “astronomically high,” including in December 2022, when Border Patrol agents released at least 140,306 illegal immigrants at the southwest border.
“Whether that number is 140,000 or 6,000, this is not what our immigration laws are supposed to be. Aliens arriving at a port of entry or entering the country illegally should be screened.” Huffman said.
“Unless they are ‘clearly and unquestionably eligible for entry,’ they are to be detained until they are removed or granted a discretionary remedy such as asylum.”
In the first days of the Trump administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested hundreds of illegal immigrants, including some with violent criminal records.
Over the course of 33 hours, from midnight on January 21 to 9 a.m. on January 22, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested numerous people from multiple countries with criminal histories of sexual assault, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, and drugs. More than 460 illegal immigrants were arrested. Weapons offenses, resisting arrest or domestic violence.
While multiple factors may be considered when determining the influx, Huffman said there is enough to know the scale of the problem.
“First, if the influx is not curtailed, it is likely to increase further. I have seen time and time again that border control failures increase the incentive for more foreigners to attempt to enter the country illegally. I’ve come,” he said. “Second, the introduction of unvetted foreign nationals, at least some of whom are undoubtedly criminals, may increase criminal activity.
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He added: “Many of the illegal immigrants at our southern border are involved in other criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and sexual assault.” “Third, law enforcement agencies, especially immigration authorities, are facing extraordinary and overwhelming demands. facing.”
