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GOP lawmaker calls for answers on releases of undocumented immigrants

April 1, 2019

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) is calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide details on the steps U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) take before releasing undocumented immigrants.

In a letter to DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on Monday, the Arizona Republican said he has received "alarming reports" and heard concerns from Phoenix officials over immigrants more frequently being dropped off at churches and bus stations, a situation that has been "overwhelming the community and posing a crisis to which Phoenix has no solution."

"A report from March 28 indicates that Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector have begun releasing detainees on their own recognizance with little more than a notice to appear for immigration hearings. I have also received reports from agents that similar instructions have been given to release aliens apprehended and detained in the Tucson Sector," he wrote. "Reports at the end of 2018 indicated that more than 5,000 illegal aliens were released in Mesa between mid-October and November."

Biggs went on to say he is concerned what impact the releases will have on ICE and Border Patrol agents.

"The release of these individuals should be of concern to every American, as their behavior is a flagrant exploitation of our immigration laws; our inability to properly vet and monitor them puts our communities at risk," he continued.

"Cities and communities should not be forced to bear the brunt of this crisis, which is inherently a federal responsibility. Moreover, I fear that this will only worsen the overall low-morale of ICE and Border Patrol agents who are grossly under-resourced and overworked."

Biggs asked Nielsen to provide information on how the agencies determine which undocumented immigrants don't pose a threat to the public, whether they are given a tracking device "so ICE can track their movement after release," and whether immigrants are required to provide a verified address prior to their release.

He also wants to know whether the agencies have provided any guidance or resources to localities to assist in monitoring immigrants following their release, if steps are being taken "to identify additional detention space to prevent a greater number of aliens from being released," and if those being released are being provided with any resources.

The letter comes as President Trump has threatened to shut down the U.S.-Mexico border unless Mexico takes steps to shut down illegal immigration.

"We have right now two big caravans coming up from Guatemala, massive caravans, walking right through Mexico," the president said last week. "So Mexico is tough, they can stop them. And if they don't stop them, we're closing the border."