The Department of Justice has filed charges against 11 members of the Central American migrant caravan, accusing them of illegally entering the United States.
The charges came on Monday after some 150 migrants arrived at the U.S. southern border over the weekend to seek asylum at the San Ysidro port of entry.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California filed the complaints against 11 illegal border crossers under title 8 USC 1325 Entry, a charge that carries up to 2 years in prison for illegal entry into the U.S.
“When respect for the rule of law diminishes, so too does our ability to protect our great nation, its borders, and its citizens,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in the wake of the filed charges. “The United States will not stand by as our immigration laws are ignored and our nation’s safety is jeopardized. U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman and his team should be commended for quickly filing illegal entry charges for individuals apprehended along the southwestern border.