Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee has criticized the Department of Homeland Security for lack of transparency regarding the release of migrants into the U.S. The senator has released DHS notices sent to cities in his state, detailing the number of migrants believed to be heading there on a weekly basis. These notices explain that migrants are vetted against various databases before being released into the interior. While officials do not transport adult migrants directly into the interior, migrants are required to provide their intended destination and are free to travel as they see fit once released, with federal authorities having no say over their movements.
The notice given to officials in Tennessee revealed that 573 noncitizens had provided the areas of Nashville, Davidson, Murfreesboro, and Franklin as destinations for the week ending Sept. 16. Of those, 200 were from Guatemala, 200 from Venezuela, and 100 each from Honduras and Mexico. Hagerty accused the Biden administration of hiding information regarding the resettlement of migrants in specific areas, despite requests for transparency. He emphasized the need for answers regarding how many migrants have been resettled, their vetting process, and any potential threats they may pose to American citizens.
In response to these allegations, DHS clarified that they do not coordinate the travel of migrants but share information with local officials and NGOs regarding migrants’ intended destinations. The purpose of the notification was to inform officials about noncitizens intending to travel to their areas. DHS works closely with local officials, law enforcement, and NGOs to provide timely information on noncitizens released pending their immigration court proceedings. The agency aims to support communities hosting migrants while enforcing immigration laws and facilitating the removal process for those without legal status.
The ongoing issues and tensions surrounding the release of migrants into the interior highlight the broader border crisis faced by the Biden administration. Republicans attribute the crisis to the administration’s policies, including the reversal of Trump administration measures. They advocate for an end to “catch-and-release,” increased border wall construction, and stricter interior enforcement. Customs and Border Protection recently reported a record number of migrant encounters in February, exceeding 189,000 encounters for the month. The Biden administration has called for additional funding for removals, detention space, cities, and NGOs receiving migrants, as well as immigration reform.
Hagerty has set up a website for officials to submit the letters they have received regarding migrant destinations, aiming to increase transparency and accountability regarding resettlement efforts. The senator’s actions reflect broader concerns about the handling of the border crisis and the impact of migrant resettlement on local communities. As the Biden administration continues to grapple with the challenges at the southern border, the issue of transparency and information sharing regarding migrants’ destinations remains a point of contention. Moving forward, the administration will need to address these concerns while seeking bipartisan solutions to address the root causes of the border crisis.
