Washington, DC, Feb 23, 2007 -

Congressman John Carter (R-Round Rock) today joined Congressional Members and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a tour of the T. Don Hutto Family Residential Facility, located in Congressman Carter’s Congressional district. The facility provides an effective and humane alternative to the old policy of “catch and release” while maintaining the unity of alien families as they await the outcome of their immigration hearings or the return to their home countries.

“I was concerned about news reports of treatment at this facility, so I wanted to come here today to see for myself. I am happy to report the dedicated employees at this facility are providing a humane and safe alternative to ‘catch and release,’ ” Congressman Carter stated.

The event, hosted by ICE, provided the Congressional Members with an opportunity to learn about the center and its role in the Department of Homeland Security’s Secure Border Initiative. The tour included stops at the facility’s intake processing site, elementary classroom, medical unit, dormitory area, dining facility and outside recreational area.

“This is one of the first steps in ending the ineffective ‘catch and release’ procedure of illegal immigrants at our southern border,” added Congressman Carter. “This, combined with tighter border security and punishments for those that knowingly employ illegal aliens, will bring much-needed meaningful reform to our country’s immigration policy.”

Before the Hutto facility opened, families caught crossing the border illegally were often freed with notices to appear before immigration judges; these families rarely appeared for these hearings, however. This policy was often exploited by alien smugglers by bringing children and strangers across the border, attempting to appear as family units. By bringing children, smugglers likely avoided detention if captured. ICE consequently opened the state-of-the-art Hutto facility in May 2006 in order to provide a place where families could remain together while awaiting immigration proceedings.