On 25 June it became known that the Service of customs and border protection, U.S. (CBP) has suspended the practice of criminal prosecution of illegal immigrants who cross the border with children. As stated by the head of the Agency Kevin MacLennan, this was done in order to fulfill the decree of the President of the United States, prescribing to stop the separation of immigrant families.
According to the representative of the Federal service, due to this precedent, American law enforcement agencies need time to withdraw from its practice. If violators of the border regime impose criminal charges, the US authorities are obliged to send them to jail. The presence of children in such conditions is impossible. Accordingly, immigrant families can be placed exclusively in specialized centers. Previously, detainees were often placed in Federal prison for a while, until the court can hear their case.
However, this decision does not apply to adultswho arrived to the US border without children. They are still waiting for criminal liability for violation of American laws. Besides, the U.S. attorney General said that he is going to continue to follow the policy of «zero tolerance«. Representatives of the Ministry of justice intend to indict all offenders, including illegal immigrants with children. However, CBP needs to transfer immigration detainees to the Prosecutor, and because they decided to «pause», then criminal prosecution will cease.
Makelainen said that once the US government will resolve the conflict in the legislative field, the Agency will continue to follow the practice of detention. According to experts, it can already happen next week, if members of the Republican party will be able to quickly prepare a decision.
Recall that on 20 June Donald trump has signed a decree under which a Federal facility is prohibited to separate immigrant children from their parents. This has affected the effectiveness of the policy of «zero tolerance» and raised a number of legal disputes.
