By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/prosecution-referrals-suspended-for-adults-who-cross-border-illegally-with-kids-official-says Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Prosecution referrals suspended for adults who cross border illegally with kids, official says Nation Jun 25, 2018 4:06 PM EDT The head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection says he has temporarily stopped referring for criminal prosecution adults who cross the border illegally with children. Commissioner Kevin McAleenan told reporters in Texas Monday he ordered referrals suspended within hours of President Trump’s executive order last week that stopped the practice of separating families. He says that the zero tolerance policy remains in effect, but cases cannot be prosecuted because parents cannot be separated from their children. He says he is working to develop plan to resume illegally entry prosecutions of adults with children. Meanwhile, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in Reno, Nevada, that federal prosecutors would continue to criminally prosecute adults caught crossing the border. But Border Patrol agents must refer cases for prosecution. More than 2,300 children were separated from their families before the order last week that is causing chaos at the border on how to implement it. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
The head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection says he has temporarily stopped referring for criminal prosecution adults who cross the border illegally with children. Commissioner Kevin McAleenan told reporters in Texas Monday he ordered referrals suspended within hours of President Trump’s executive order last week that stopped the practice of separating families. He says that the zero tolerance policy remains in effect, but cases cannot be prosecuted because parents cannot be separated from their children. He says he is working to develop plan to resume illegally entry prosecutions of adults with children. Meanwhile, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in Reno, Nevada, that federal prosecutors would continue to criminally prosecute adults caught crossing the border. But Border Patrol agents must refer cases for prosecution. More than 2,300 children were separated from their families before the order last week that is causing chaos at the border on how to implement it. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now