The same day Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen spoke about cracking down on illegal immigration while touring the border in Nogales, Arizona, Democratic Rep. Raúl Grijalva traveled into Nogales, Sonora, to meet families seeking asylum at the port. Both had contrasting messages about what's at stake.
At a news conference at the border, Nielsen said her agency would refer all illegal Southwest border crossings for prosecution, with no exceptions for families with children.
"If you make a false immigration claim we will prosecute you. The lawlessness has to end," Nielsen said. She clarified that children separated from their parents would go into the custody of Health and Human Services. Grijalva objected to the strategy.
"The fact remains: We dehumanize these people and their kids if we make this all about enforcement only," Grijalva said.
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