Biden government evaluates resuming the detention of migrant families who cross the border

(Trends Wide) — The Biden administration is considering reinstating a policy of detaining migrant families who cross the border irregularly, a practice the president discontinued when he took office, two administration officials said.

This is one of multiple options administration officials are considering as they prepare for the end of Title 42, the public health order that allows border agents to immediately turn away certain immigrants who crossed the southern border irregularly.

White House officials and the Department of Homeland Security have held several meetings in recent days to discuss the possibility of reinstating the practice before the anticipated expiration of Title 42 in May, and as migrant border crossings continue to record high numbers.

Trends Wide has contacted the White House for comment.

A Homeland Security spokesperson told Trends Wide that “no decisions have yet been made as we prepare to suspend the Title 42 Public Health Order. The Government will continue to prioritize the safe, orderly, and humane processing of migrants.”

One official said the administration is looking at multiple options for how to process migrant families at the southern border, not all of which involve detaining family groups.

Biden has increasingly resorted to increased border enforcement measures in recent months, drawing criticism from immigrant advocates and progressive Democrats who see the policy changes as a return to some of former President Donald Trump’s measures. .

The newspaper The New York Times was the first to report on the possible policy change.