The GOP solution released Thursday would keep families united, according to lawmakers and aides familiar with its implications, albeit in federal custody. It would not permit a return to the previous “catch and release” policy where families were released pending court hearings that were typically scheduled months in the future.

“We want to make sure that the families are not divided, and yet we do have to secure the border,” said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), who helped negotiate the bill. “[Detaining families together] is an option, and if somebody has a better one, we’d like to look at it.”