Arizona’s governor supports weeding out fake migrant families at border

PHOENIX — As the immigration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border continues, federal officials are looking for ways to identify fake families, a goal that is supported by Arizona’s governor.

While Gov. Doug Ducey wouldn’t comment specifically on whether he thought a program to test migrants’ DNA was part of the solution, he was steadfast in his support of weeding out migrants suspected of lying about their status as a family.

“I think we should address fraudulent families and I think we should prioritize public safety. That has to come first,” Ducey told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Mac & Gaydos on Tuesday.

“This is the most welcoming country in the world. People who are grabbing children and using them in a fraudulent way are not asylum seekers, they’re human traffickers.”

Department of Homeland Security officials announced May 1 that it would soon kick off the pilot program at two undisclosed border locations.

A DHS official said the department wants to find out if DNA testing can be a useful tool in combating the problem of children being trafficked across the border.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent a special investigative team to Yuma in April to root out the possible exploitation.

Tucson Sector Chief Roy Villareal told Arizona’s Morning News on May 2 that he believes the program will be successful.

Related

DHS to implement DNA test program to detect fake migrant familiesFederal agents set up in Arizona border town to weed out fake familiesArizona border chief confident DNA testing will find fake migrant familiesDeveloper announces completion of Nexus Commerce Center industrial park in Tempe2 found dead after fire at home in MaricopaNewborn found safe in northern AZ after being abducted from West Valley