‘Zero tolerance’ border policy threatens to swamp courts
SAN DIEGO — The Mexican migrant, slouching in his baggy jail garb, was caught crossing the border and the federal judge in San Diego wanted an explanation.
“I’ll stay in Mexico and won’t come back again,” said Carlos Arizmendi-Dominguez, 34, a former dairy farmer who was trying to return to his family in Idaho. “I ask forgiveness.”
“I’m not here to forgive,” Magistrate Judge William Gallo replied.
Across the Southwest border, the crackdown on illegal crossings announced in April 2017 by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is gaining traction, as immigration caseloads soar and overburdened judicial districts struggle to keep up.