Inhofe Statement on Closure of UAC Camp at Fort Sill

Statement

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today released the following statement after being notified that the Department of Health and Human Services expects to close the housing facility for unaccompanied alien children (UAC) at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla., by August 8:

"I applaud the Lawton and Fort Sill communities for stepping up to the plate over the past few months to care for the thousands of children who have taken a dangerous journey to cross the U.S. border by invitation of the President. The announcement to close the UAC facility at Fort Sill is welcome news for the soldiers and various training missions on post. Our military is already struggling to carry out the mission asked of them during a time when the administration is slashing defense budgets and failing to prioritize national security. Unfortunately, throughout this process, the Obama Administration's information on the use of Fort Sill has been inconsistent and even contradictory. Just a few weeks ago, they were talking about extending the DOD leases through January and increasing the capacity of children the bases should hold. I will consider it a victory for our national security and Fort Sill once the Obama Administration actually follows through on their word to end use of the facility by next week.

"Ultimately though this news does nothing to stem the unprecedented flow of children across the U.S.-Mexico border or correct the president's policies that are encouraging illegal immigration. Instead of reconsidering or repealing his controversial program of deferred action for childhood arrivals, it is being reported that the President is looking to use executive action to expand the program to millions more. We are a country made of immigrants, with more than 1 million coming to our country through the proper legal process each year. We should be enforcing the policies Congress put in place to keep our nation and borders secure, while respecting those who have made the concerted effort to abide by our laws."

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