Federal prosecutors in Arizona say they’re working with the U.S. Border Patrol on an enforcement surge in the Tucson Sector of the Mexico border.
The number of migrants charged with illegal entry rose roughly 46% in a single week.
Illegal entry to the United States can draw a fine and up to six months in prison, according to the American Immigration Council.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Arizona says 133 people were charged with unlawful entry last week.
U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino said three lawyers from the Homeland Security department are working as special assistant U.S. attorneys to help with the enforcement surge.
Restaino also said that prosecution alone is not a comprehensive fix for border challenges.
Separately, Restaino has resumed his predecessor’s practice of releasing the office’s stats on immigration enforcement.
