U.S. senators John McCain and Jeff Flake sent a letter this week to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder seeking confirmation that the Department of Justice will cease prosecuting all first-time and some repeat illegal border crossers under Operation Streamline.
The two senators, who have favored amnesty, surprised their constituents by suddenly questioning the DOJ. For the most part, their constituents see the move by the two senators to sell their amnesty plan by selling people on the idea that amnesty comes with border security, as reported on the James T. Harris radio show, in Tucson, Arizona.
According to the senators, they are acting on a report by the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office that it had been informed that the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona will cease prosecuting those apprehended crossing the border illegally for the first time. In their letter the senators note, “In addition, it was suggested that only those undocumented aliens with adverse immigration histories or criminal convictions as well as those apprehended while involved with criminal activity or presenting a danger to the public will be prosecuted.”
The senators reminded Attorney General Eric Holder that “the Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector has long grappled with the crossing of undocumented aliens and has seen illegal traffic decline precipitously from the early 2000s to the present.”
Reportedly apprehensions have dropped since 2005, by more than 95 percent. The senators claim that there were slightly more than 6,000 apprehensions last year.
“Achieving these gains in border security is no doubt a result of a combination of factors including increased manpower, technology implementation, and appropriate consequences. A key part has been the implementation of Operation Streamline, the program seeking to reduce recidivism by expeditiously prosecuting those entering or reentering illegally under a “zero tolerance” approach,” wrote the senators.”
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office cites 100 percent prosecution, according to the senators, as a shared goal of a partnership including federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and cites Operation Streamline as an element in the recent success in reducing illegal crossings.
“The recent conditions in the Yuma Sector represent one of the few instances approaching a success with respect to border security. Congress has yet to take up border-related legislation aimed at tackling the long-standing issues with controlling the southwestern border. In addition, with Central American family units and unaccompanied minors presenting a multi-agency challenge, it would appear an inopportune time to potentially be removing tools from the border security toolbox,” wrote the senators. “Has guidance been issued that would prevent prosecutions of first time illegal crossers under Operation Streamline in the Yuma Sector? In addition, in considering revisions to prosecutorial guidance in southern Arizona, were current border security impacts considered as well as impacts to future illegal traffic levels and issues faced border-wide?”
The senators asked for “prompt attention to this matter, in strict accordance with all existing rules, regulations, and ethical guidelines.”