Jeff Sessions On Mexican Drug Cartels: Attorney General Vows To Crack Down On Undocumented Immigrants

In a tougher approach to handle illegal immigration prosecutions at the U.S.-Mexico border, Attorney General Jeff Sessions vowed Tuesday to confront the gangs and cartels afflicting the region. He toured the border and called for a series of changes that he said will mark the beginning of an era to free American cities and the border of "filth" brought by drug cartels and criminal organizations, reports said.

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Sessions met with law enforcement, members of the military and border agents in Arizona and discussed the new tougher approach to immigration prosecutions under President Donald Trump. “When we talk about MS-13 and the cartels, what do we mean? We mean international criminal organizations that turn cities and suburbs into warzones, that rape and kill innocent civilians, and who profit by smuggling poison and other human beings across our borders,” Sessions said. He added, according to reports, "It is here on this very sliver of land—on this border—that we take our stand. It is a direct threat to our legal system, peace and prosperity.”

In his announcement to border officials and the press, Sessions directed federal prosecutors to speed up their efforts to stop harboring undocumented immigrants and document fraud related to migrant smuggling.

Sessions also praised Trump saying that under his administration, there has been a considerable decrease in border crossings. "This is a new era. This is the Trump era," he said. "The lawlessness, the abdication of the duty to enforce our immigration laws, and the catch and release practices of old are over."

Sessions said that the Department of Justice (DOJ) must do its part in enforcing the law, according to reports.

Sessions answered just a few questions from reporters after he discussed about tougher approaches to handle undocumented immigrants at the border. He also said that the civil rights of the people — who are charged with criminal offences at the border — will be protected. Sessions defended the president's proposed border wall, reaffirming that it will help fight illegal immigration. He reportedly said: "The barrier, the wall, will have a great and positive impact and will continue our ability to follow through on a commitment to end the lawlessness."