Catch, Release, and Then What?

Since President Biden took office, over two million illegal immigrants have been released into the United States. More than 1.5 million more “gotaways” snuck in without even encountering border agents. Though monthly border encounters averaged well over 150,000, and often above 200,000, the Department of Homeland Security detained fewer than 30,000 at a time. They assign “Alternatives to Detention” (ATD) to a small number but with insignificant tracking and follow-through.

The risks for American society from recidivist criminals are significant. The logistical challenge for an enforcement-minded president in 2025 will take our best expertise and devotion to duty. Immigration policy experts Tom Homan, Andrew Arthur, and Don Rosenberg join Heritage’s Simon Hankinson to share recommendations on how America can recover from the current border crisis and its nation-wide negative impact.