Sessions Declares End to Border Lawlessness: ‘This is the Trump Era’

Attorney General Jeff Sessions proclaimed an end to the “lawlessness” of illegal immigration, “the abdication of duty to enforce our laws,” and “the catch-and-release policies of the past” as he unveiled new immigration policies during a speech Tuesday at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Speaking in Nogales, Arizona, Sessions reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s commitment to securing the border, enforcing immigration laws, and cracking down on illegal immigration. As he revealed the elements of the Justice Department’s new strategy, the attorney general offered a stern message to current and potential illegal immigrants: “The illegality is over.”

“The lawlessness, the abdication of duty to enforce our laws, and the catch-and-release policies of the past are over.”

“For those that continue to seek improper and illegal entry into this country, be forewarned: This is a new era. This is the Trump Era,” Sessions said. “The lawlessness, the abdication of duty to enforce our laws, and the catch-and-release policies of the past are over.”

“This is what happens when you have a president who understands the threat, who is not afraid to publicly identify the threat and to stand up to it, and who makes clear to law enforcement that the leadership of our country finally has their back and tells the whole world that the illegality is over,” Sessions added.

As part of the Justice Department’s changed position, Sessions issued a document to all federal prosecutors in which he prioritized the enforcement of immigration laws. Sessions also announced that the attorneys must consider for prosecution the federal offense of aiding in the transportation and harboring of criminal illegal aliens and the reentry of illegal aliens, as well as prosecute those who are “preying” on immigrants who “don’t know how dangerous and costly this journey can be.”

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“This is a booming business. No more,” Sessions said. “We are going to shut down and jail those who have been profiting from this lawlessness.”

If an illegal alien reenters the country after deportation where criminal or “aggravating circumstances” are present, they are to be referred for felony prosecution. Prioritization will be given to those aliens with criminal or gang-related pasts, Sessions said.

Prosecutors were also instructed to charge illegal immigrants with document fraud where it applies to identity theft. In addition, Sessions directed all 94 U.S. attorneys to make prosecuting those illegal aliens who assault federal officers “a priority.”

“Depravity and violence are their calling cards, including brutal machete attacks, even beheadings. They threaten the very integrity of our nation and our hemisphere,” Sessions said. “In this fight, I am here to tell you that the brave men and women of the Customs and Border Protection — we hear you. We hear your concerns. We have your back.”

“Our men and women who are securing our border are making astounding progress. Here, along our nation’s Southwest border, the Ground Zero in the fight,” Sessions added. “It is here on this sliver of land — on this border — where we first take a stand. It is a direct threat to our legal system and to our peace and prosperity.”

The attorney general also announced a series of reforms to reduce the backlogs in confirming and appointing judges to the immigration courts, noting that this backlog has “undermined the effectiveness of our law officers’ work.”

Sessions announced that 50 more immigration judges would be added this year while 75 more will arrive the following year.

Additionally, all illegal-alien adults will be detained once caught at the border without being released, Sessions said.

“Now is the time for action. Now is the time we will have results,” Sessions said. “We will establish a system of immigration that serves the national service and one that we can be proud of — one that is lawful.”

The first question the attorney general fielded following his speech came from a reporter who asked him what he would say to those who are “deeply offended” by those policies and who harbor concerns about the “militarization” of immigration enforcement and “using radical means in search of a solution.” Sessions did not mince words in his response.

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“I think the people of this country overwhelmingly want a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest — one that we can be proud of, one that when somebody waits their turn, they know that they’re going to have an opportunity in the future, and that someone who comes in unlawfully doesn’t break ahead of them,” Session said. “It’s right and decent and good that we do so.”

Later, when Sessions was asked if there was to be any “mercy” for those illegal aliens who have children that are in the U.S. lawfully, he responded that, “We want everybody to comply with the law.”

“And because a child or a family member enters the United States lawfully doesn’t mean that others can enter the country unlawfully. So we do have that challenge,” Sessions said. “We want people to understand that they’re not entitled to enter unlawfully. We want the people to know that our laws will be followed.”

“And hopefully, if we send this message that’s already seeming to have an impact, we will be able to return to the kind of system that we can be proud of, that validates the people,” Sessions concluded.