The Biden-Harris administration has announced the closure of the largest ICE detention center in the United States, sparking widespread criticism and concern. The South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, which can house up to 2,400 illegal immigrants, will cease operations within the next month. This decision has been made despite the ongoing border crisis and record levels of illegal crossings.

The closure comes as the administration tries to rebrand its approach to border security. Earlier this year, the White House issued a “border-crackdown” executive order, but its effectiveness has been questioned due to numerous exceptions that allow illegal immigrants to enter the country under certain conditions. Critics argue that this move undermines efforts to secure the border and detain illegal entrants.

Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba of Slovakia, who recently canceled his attendance at the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, described the Biden-Harris administration’s approach as avoiding deterrence, detention, and deportation. This perspective is shared by many who see the closure of the Dilley facility as contradictory to the administration’s stated goals of securing the border.

The tragic case of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Houston, who was murdered by two illegal immigrants after being released into the U.S., has brought the issue into sharp focus. The administration’s preference for Alternatives to Detention (ATD) programs, which claim to provide “intensive supervision” of released illegal immigrants, has been heavily criticized. Many argue that these programs are ineffective, with participants often removing their monitoring devices and evading authorities.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX) have introduced legislation to strengthen the detention and tracking of illegal immigrants. Cruz condemned the administration’s decision to close the Dilley center, calling it an “America-last policy” that prioritizes illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens. He pointed to Nungaray’s murder as a direct result of the administration’s policies.

The Dilley facility, which was opened by the Obama-Biden administration in 2014 in response to a surge in illegal crossings, has been a critical component of the U.S. immigration system. ICE claims that the closure is a cost-cutting measure, as the facility is one of the most expensive to operate. However, critics argue that the administration should have renegotiated the contract with CoreCivic, the company managing the facility, instead of closing it.

The decision has also been seen as part of a broader shift in the administration’s immigration policy, influenced by progressive elements within the Democratic Party. This policy shift has coincided with a significant increase in illegal border crossings, with over 821,000 family unit encounters reported in fiscal year 2023.

As the administration continues to face scrutiny over its handling of the border crisis, the closure of the Dilley center highlights the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding U.S. immigration policy. Critics argue that the decision will only exacerbate the current situation, making it more difficult to detain and deport illegal immigrants and ensuring that more individuals are released into the country.