THE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CENTER IN ARTESIA GETS A VISIT FROM U.S. HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY JEH JOHNSON ON FRIDAY. THE FACILITY IS BEING USED AS A TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CENTRAL AMERICA.
THE THREE BARRACKS AT THE ARTESIA SITE CAN HOLD CLOSE TO 700 PEOPLE AS THEY AWAIT DEPORTATION OR SEEK ASYLUM. THE ARTESIA FACILITY WAS ONE OF SEVERAL ESTABLISHED TO HANDLE THE INFLUX OF WOMAN AND CHILDREN FLEEING GANG VIOLENCE AND POVERTY IN CENTRAL AMERICA.
HOWEVER, SECRETARY JOHNSON SAYS THE HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT WILL RUN OUT OF MONEY BY THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST UNLESS LAWMAKERS APPROVE A 3-POINT-7 BILLION DOLLAR EMERGENCY BUDGET REQUEST.
