DHS increases capacity to detain, deport illegal immigrants

[The Straight Story]

DHS increases capacity to detain, deport illegal immigrants

By Chris Strohm
[e-mail]

The Bush administration is ramping up its ability to detain and deport illegal immigrants caught trying to enter the country.

The Homeland Security Department announced this week that it has expanded to all border areas a program that allows immigration enforcement agents to more quickly deport illegal aliens. The expedited removal program was previously operating at all U.S. ports of entry and along the Southwest border, and now will be extended to the Canadian border and all coastal areas.

DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff said the program is part of the department's Secure Border Initiative. The department ultimately envisions SBI as having three integrated components: improved border security, strong interior enforcement to go after illegal aliens and employers who knowingly hire them, and a temporary worker program allowing migrants to enter the country legally.

"We have seen success in deterring illegal border crossers since expedited removal was implemented throughout the Southwest," Chertoff said. "Implementing this process along all borders will provide DHS agents and officers with an additional tool to protect our nation's boundaries and quickly remove those who entered our country illegally."

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