Flake asks feds to quickly end catch-and-release immigration policy

PHOENIX — U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) sent a letter Thursday asking the Department of Homeland Security how it can speed the ending of the catch-and-release immigration policy and what Congress can do to help.

In the letter, Flake said he felt as if there was a disconnect between Homeland Security officials and Border Patrol agents on the ground. He asked for clarification on several related policies, including how quickly the department plans to end catch-and-release.

“What can Congress do to assist in the effort to end catch-and-release,” he asked.

Flake claimed the catch-and-release policy — enacted under former President Barack Obama — released a flood illegal immigrants into the country.

“Following those executive actions, thousands of illegal immigrants awaiting removal hearings were released into U.S. communities, causing confusion across Arizona which was ground zero for the release of criminal aliens,” the letter said.

Flake also claimed the policy — which prioritized the deportation of public and national security threats over others — encouraged many people to skip their court dates.

“The failure-to-appear rate in the immigration courts was astronomical. Consequently, the majority of those released never returned for their hearing and remained at-large,” the letter said.

The senator praised President Donald Trump’s April choice to end the policy.

“I applaud the Administration’s work to change the policy of releasing illegal border crossers into the public,” he said.

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