Central to the administration’s preparations is an increase in temporary detention capacity along the border. Officials say they are planning to operate 10 “soft-sided” tent facilities that will boost holding capacity from 13,000 to 18,000 beds.
In recent weeks, the number of migrants held in Border Patrol custody has exceeded 13,000, so the additional space afforded by temporary facilities may be quickly filled if border crossings jump again next month.
Biden officials said their plan will restore access for migrants who are facing persecution while leveraging fast-track procedures to deport those who don’t qualify for U.S. protection.
They plan to double transportation capacity and streamline operations using “Enhanced Central Processing Centers” where multiple federal agencies will work in better coordination, according to the memo.
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