The new chief of the U.S. Border Patrol testified Wednesday illegal immigrants "know" because of existing policies, "if you get to the United States border we're gonna let you in."
At a hearing of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Mark Morgan, who became Border Patrol chief in June, blasted the policy of issuing Notices to Appear to illegal immigrants detained at the border.
The controversial policy allows some of those apprehended at the border to be released, notifying them they have to show up to court on a certain date.
Brandon Judd, head of border patrol agents union, has derided the paperwork as "Notices to Disappear."
"They know that if they make it to the border they will be released into the interior of the United States," Morgan told committee chairman, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., the Daily Caller reported.
"It sends a strong message to those folks in the country that if you get to the United States border, we're gonna to let you in," Morgan added. "It's a huge pull factor."
Johnson also asked Morgan whether the flood of unaccompanied children or families illegally crossing the border "can be used as a diversion for higher-value smuggling – let's say it's drugs, or humans, or sex-trafficking – isn't that the reality of what's actually happening?"
Morgan replied: "Yes, we have information of that, absolutely, smugglers use that as a distraction; yes, sir."
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