The United States President Donald Trump administration has on Wednesday asked the Congress for an additional $4.5 billion emergency spending for the border security as the country is struggling with a rush of Central American migrants at the border along with Mexico.
Two people familiar with the administration request, who spoke to The Associated Press, on the condition of anonymity has reported.
The AP obtained a summary of the request which stated the White House was seeking $3.3 billion for humanitarian aid in order to increase shelter capacity for migrants, according to Dawn news reports.
Extra $1.1 billion will be allocated for operational support, including detention beds, probe into smuggling, personnel expenses and transportation. Another $178 will be allocated for mission support and technology upgrade.
“DHS projects it will exhaust resources well before the end of the fiscal year,” reads the formal request letter to the US Congress, also obtained by the AP. “Without additional resources, the safety and well-being of law enforcement personnel and migrants are at substantial risk.”
During a congressional hearing, acting homeland security secretary Kevin McAleenan has on Tuesday said the department was running out of funds amidst immigration movement at the southern border.
Customs and Border Protection has on Tuesday encountered its largest group till date: 424 people in rural New Mexico.