Washington D.C., May 16, 2018 / 10:54 am
Federal officials are evaluating U.S. military bases as temporary shelters for immigrant children who will be separated from their parents after crossing the border illegally under a new Trump administration policy.
While final decisions have not yet been made, the Washington Post reports that Department of Health and Human Services officials are visiting military bases in Texas and Arkansas to examine their suitability for housing children.
About 100 shelters currently exist, but they are close to capacity, and it is estimated that thousands of additional children could be placed in government care under the new immigration policy, the Wall Street Journal says.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a "zero tolerance" policy for illegal border crossings on May 7. The goal is for "100 percent" of those who cross the border illegally to face charges of "improper entry by an alien," which can result in up to six months in prison.