WESLACO – The Department of Homeland Security announced steps the agency must take to speed up the processing phase for migrants entering the U.S.

“The crisis at our border is worsening, and DHS will do everything in its power to end it,” said Secretary Kristjen Nielsen. “We will not stand idly by while Congress fails to act yet again, so all options are on the table. We will immediately redeploy hundreds of CBP personnel to the border to respond to this emergency. We will urgently pursue additional reinforcements from within DHS and the interagency. And we will require those seeking to enter the United States to wait in Mexico until an immigration court has reviewed their claims.”

Nielsen ordered Customs and Border Protection Commander Kevin K. McAleenan to undertake emergency surge operations and immediately increase personnel along the southern border.

CBP says they plan to add up to 750 officers to Border Patrol sectors that are being affected.

The agency is authorized to exceed 2,000 personnel if necessary.