Johnson releases statement on southwestern border security

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson released a statement this week on the number of apprehensions of individuals seeking to enter the country illegally along the southwestern border of the United States.

“In January 2016, overall apprehensions on our southwest border – an indicator of total attempts to cross the border illegally — declined 36 percent from the previous month, and were at the lowest levels since January 2015,” Johnson said. “Also, in January 2016, apprehensions of unaccompanied children declined by 54 percent compared to the month before, and apprehensions of those in families declined by 65 percent in the same period.”

Johnson said that though there was a decline in illegal migration, recent enforcement actions would continue. Additionally, those who commit crimes are immediate priorities for removal. Johnson added that smugglers are taking advantage of parents and children, escalating the risk of physical harm and sexual exploitation.

Due to ongoing conflict in Central America, the department said that individuals fleeing their homelands may be regarded as refugees and that Secretary of State John Kerry will be expanding the refugee admission program to aid vulnerable individuals and families from those affected areas.

Johnson concluded by saying that the government is partnering with the UN high commissioner for refugees and non-governmental organizations in the region to implement the refugee admissions program in an expedited fashion.