VIDEO: Exposing Operation Streamline
Students at the University of Arizona produced this video “Exposing Operation Streamline.”
Operation Streamline was initially implemented along the U.S./Mexico border by the Bush Administration in 2005. The program charges criminally persons who crosses the border without authorization. In other words, it is a “zero tolerance” border enforcement program that targets even first time undocumented border-crossers. Instead of routing non-violent individuals caught crossing the border into civil deportation proceedings, Operation Streamline forces undocumented migrants through the federal criminal justice system and into U.S. prisons. Those who are caught making a first entry are prosecuted for misdemeanors, and those who reenter after deportation may be prosecuted for felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Under this fast-track program, a federal criminal case with prison and deportation consequences is generally resolved in 2 days or less.
KJ