Congressman Steve Pearce issued this statement today after the Department of Homeland Security's first flight of deported immigrants left the Roswell International Air Center. The undocumented women and children were being temporarily housed at the Federal Law Enforcement and Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia.
“The first flight returning undocumented families to their homes in Central America departed from Roswell yesterday. This is a significant step in curbing the surge of unaccompanied minors and families crossing the border. The President and Secretary Johnson have stated they are committed to enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, and this flight follows through on that commitment. DHS must maintain this strong response, and I look forward to ICE continuing these flights throughout the days, weeks and months ahead.”
NOTE: Congressman Pearce was assured by Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas that DHS would be expediting the removal process as much as possible, without jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of the children and families in detention. It has been reported that the first flight out of Roswell included roughly 40 people.