Official defends effort to halt kids at border

Homeland Security chief: National Guard won’t be deployed

WASHINGTON — The nation’s top homeland security official on Tuesday defended his department’s handling of unaccompanied children crossing the U.S. border from Mexico, turning aside Republican demands for a National Guard presence there even as officials predict the surge will continue into next year.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson outlined to the House Homeland Security Committee a series of measures he said would address the issue, from working to dismantle smuggling operations to launching a public-relations campaign in Central America urging parents not to send their children north.

“I believe we will stem this tide,” Johnson testified.

More than 47,000 unaccompanied children — mostly from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras — have crossed the U.S. border this year, with a high concentration landing in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Customs and Border Protection agents apprehend about 250 children a day, and CBP officials estimate that 150,000 children might cross the border next year.

Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, lambasted President Barack Obama’s immigration policies and blamed the administration for what both parties describe as a humanitarian crisis.

“I personally believe this administration’s policies have contributed to this problem, and have encouraged more people to come,” McCaul said. Reading earlier from a prepared statement, he said, “The president needs to immediately send the National Guard to the Southwest border to deal with this crisis.”

While open to suggestions, Johnson said, he isn’t currently considering sending the National Guard to assist with border security.

The White House declined Tuesday to say how many children Customs and Border Protection had caught and released thus far.