Border Patrol set ‘bookout’ targets to bring migrant custody numbers to ‘manageable’ levels amid new surge
Sectors have found themselves near or at full capacity
By Adam Shaw Fox News
Published September 12, 2023 1:25pm EDT
FIRST ON FOX: Border Patrol leadership last month set daily "bookout" targets for its sectors in order to keep escalating numbers of migrants in custody at a "manageable" level -- including potentially increasing releases into the U.S. interior -- as agents continue to see a rise in numbers at the southern border.
An internal Aug. 8 email from an acting deputy chief to Border Patrol field chiefs and deputies says that sectors are facing an influx that is outpacing the numbers of migrants being either released or transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for removal.
The email, obtained by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office, says daily encounters "[continue] to surpass the daily permanent bookouts and the in-custody numbers continue to rise creating significant risks to agents and detainees."
"This level of detention numbers has also resulted in increased manpower requirements impacting border security efforts."
Consequently, the agency proposes "daily bookout targets" per sector "to bring in-custody numbers to manageable levels" based on 7-day averages. It then says that, if "consequence pathways" such as expedited removal are not available, then releasing migrants with Notices to Appear (NTA/OR) at a future court date should be used.
"We respectfully request that you urgently use these bookout targets to formalize your daily processing pathway plans, to include transitioning to NTA/OR when consequence pathways are not sufficient."
The memo says that those released should be enrolled in Alternatives to Detention "where operationally feasible."
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https://www.foxnews.com/politics/border-patrol-set-bookout-targets-bring-migrant-numbers-manageable-levels-amid-new-surge
