President Trump officially signed an executive order Wednesday afternoon, effectively ending “family separations” occurring at the US-Mexico border where illegal immigrants are detained after crossing into the United States.
The President spoke with reporters after signing the order in the Oval Office, saying his administration will focus on “border security” but will now permit families to “stay together” while being processed by federal immigration agents.
SPECIAL REPORT: President Trump signs executive order ending family separation policy, says it's about "keeping families together." https://t.co/uVatuft6AN pic.twitter.com/bWjs0aKzWZ
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 20, 2018
“I’ll be doing something that’s somewhat preemptive and ultimately will be matched by legislation I’m sure,” said the President earlier Wednesday.
The issue now heads to Congress, where the President hopes a permanent solution can be forged by both Democrats and Republicans.