Statement on Federal Officials Moving Illegal Immigrants into Southern New Mexico

Statement

Congressman Steve Pearce issued the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) plan to use the Federal Law Enforcfement and Training Centers (FLETC) facility in Artesia, New Mexico as a holding and processing facility for women and children who have recently crossed the border illegally.

"This is a humanitarian crisis. Families and children are flooding across our border, and now held in overflowing facilities," said Congressman Steve Pearce. "There are communities and people in the Second District looking to assist the children with basic needs. My office has been in communication with DHS regarding the transfer and processing of hundreds of detained illegal immigrants to FLETC. There are a number of outstanding questions regarding the decision -- including site-security features, the duration of this operation, and the deportation process -- which my office is seeking clarification on from the Department."

"We must secure our borders immediately," Pearce continued. "We need a clear, orderly process for immigration. America has fumbled and failed for decades to put in place a border policy that protects our country. Now, President Obama and Congress need to work together and set political goals aside to put in place an orderly process for border security and legal immigration."

According to the DHS, the women and children will be detained at the facility in a secure location, until they are deported. Congressman Pearce will provide updated information as it becomes available.

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