They were released from Border Patrol custody without an immigration hearing appointment. Border Patrol has become overwhelmed trying to rapidly gather information and screen migrant families at already overcrowded border holding areas before deciding whether to release, detain or expel them. Last weekend, Border Patrol began expediting families’ release by eliminating notices to appear in immigration court for many, stirring confusion. A girl is processed by Border Patrol agents after crossing the border illegally with other juveniles on March 18. The shortened paperwork Border Patrol has been issuing this week should allow migrants to travel and to register their children for school, D’Cruz said.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 23, 2021 01:49 UTC