Johnson provides update on security and immigration enforcement

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson provided an up-to-date analysis of security and immigration enforcement priorities on Thursday.

“In June 2016, apprehensions by the Border Patrol on our southwest border – an indicator of total attempts to cross the border illegally – decreased from the levels we saw in May and April,” Johnson said. “Year to date, apprehensions are somewhat higher than in FY 2015, but significantly lower than FY 2014 and FY 2013. We must enforce our immigration laws, and we are doing so consistent with our enforcement priorities. Those priorities, revised as part of the President’s executive actions in November 2014, more sharply focus our limited enforcement resources on public safety and border security.”

Johnson said that more than 99 percent of those in immigration detention fit within one of the president’s enforcement priorities, with more than 85 percent within the top priority for removal. He added that in 2009, 35 percent of those deported by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were convicted criminals, while today that number is as high as 60 percent.

Johnson also talked about the crack down on the transnational criminal organizations involved in the smuggling and exploitation of migrants, with 41 individuals linked to transnational criminal organizations arrested within the last week.

“We also recognize that the ultimate solution is a long-term investment in Central America, to address underlying conditions there,” Johnson said. “We are pleased with the $750 million in support Congress provided this year in aid to Central America, and generally are encouraged by the more recent proposals by some in Congress to take additional steps to address the humanitarian crisis in the region.”