According to multiple media outlets, the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, announced that it will soon begin deporting thousands of undocumented families in California and nationwide who crossed the southern U.S. border illegally over the last two years. Though the plan is still being finalized, raids could start as early as January and would be conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
According to government sources, the objective of the raids would be to deport adults and children who illegally crossed from Mexico into the U.S. since the beginning of 2014 and who were previously ordered to leave by a U.S. immigration judge. A spokesperson from DHS said the deportation raids would be focused on those “who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security.”
Between October 2014 and September 2015, more than 235,000 individuals were deported by ICE. That is reportedly the lowest number of people deported since 2006. Meanwhile, more than 337,000 individuals were arrested while trying to illegally cross into the U.S. during the same period of time. The new deportation initiative would be the first large-scale attempt to deport the approximately 100,000 individuals who have entered the U.S. to escape unrest in Central America over the past two years. Mexico has also increased security along its southern border with Guatemala to stem the flow of migrants into its country. Detentions in Mexico have reportedly increased 73 percent due to the initiative. News of the deportations comes at a time when U.S. officials are also grappling with how to handle the Syrian refugee crisis.
Immigrants seeking asylum or in need of a deportation defense may benefit by meeting with an attorney who might be able to carefully review the case and explain all legal options available. It may be a good idea to discuss legal options with a lawyer in order to find out the best options.
Source:CBS News, “U.S. plans to deport some immigrant families who crossed southern border,” Dec. 24, 2015