The commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, Gil Kerlikowske, said during a Sunday television interview that Americans shouldn’t worry — the illegals who are flowing across the border from Central America aren’t dangerous.
“These are family members,” he said, during an ABC “This Week” broadcast. “These are not gang members. These are not dangerous individuals. I think that we all need to work through this problem together as Americans.”
Mr. Kerlikowske also said that he was “confident that we have the resources” to deal with the border surge, The Hill reported. For instance, he said, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has recently sent 150 agents to the Rio Grande Valley and that’s in addition to the 115 who were in process of settling in at the same site, he said, The Hill reported.
His apparent logic: The 265 are aptly able to care for the illegal crossers.
“These agents have gone well beyond the call of duty, taking care of these kids, treating them with true compassion, with true heartfelt sympathy,” he said, the Hill reported.
His view comes as federal authorities predict anywhere between 60,000 and 90,000 illegal immigrants will cross into America from Central America before the end of the year.
SEE ALSO: Homeland Security Secretary vows to ‘stem the tide’ at the border
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.