- Associated Press - Tuesday, January 31, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) - A senior official at the Homeland Security Department says it is looking for new jail space as part of a broader effort to secure the border.

Acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thomas Homan says the government is actively looking for jail space to help detain immigrants caught crossing the border illegally.

President Donald Trump appointed Homan as acting ICE director Monday. Homan spoke to reporters Tuesday.

Trump has signed an executive order targeting illegal immigration that included orders to start preparations for construction of a border wall.

Homan says ICE intends to carry about the president’s directive “perfectly and we’re here to serve as an organization.”

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