Sec. Kirstjen NielsenVerified account

Today is a big day to close immigration loopholes, uphold the rule of law, & secure our borders. I’m looking forward to House of Representatives votes to pass legislation that addresses our decades-old immigration system that has failed to put America first & protect families

I will work tirelessly until our broken immigration system is fixed, our borders are secure and families can stay together.

Thank you @housegop for meeting with @POTUS and administration officials this evening - now is the time to pass a bill that closes dangerous immigration loopholes, keeps families together and secures the border.

Congress can fix these problems. Instead of criticizing those of us who uphold our oaths by enforcing the laws Congress drafted, work with us to change them. There will be legislation in the House this week that will address this issue and close the loopholes. Let’s solve it.

We will not apologize for enforcing the laws passed by Congress. We are a nation of laws. We are asking Congress to change the laws.

Congress please act so that we can secure our borders and uphold our humanitarian ideals. The two missions should not be pitted against each other. If we close the loopholes we can accomplish both.

Like previous Administrations, we refer many individuals who cross the border illegally for prosecution. Crossing in that manner is against US law.

Surely it is the beginning of the unraveling of democracy when the body that makes the laws - rather than change them- asks the body charged with law enforcement to not enforce the law. That simply cannot be the answer. Congress must act.

I will not stand by while our immigration system continues to deteriorate. We need real solutions which can only be accomplished through changing the law. I urge Congress to act.

DHS takes very seriously its duty to protect minors in our temporary custody from gangs, traffickers, criminals and abuse.

For those seeking asylum at ports of entry, we have continued the policy from previous Administrations and will only separate if the child is in danger, there is no custodial relationship between 'family' members, or if the adult has broken a law.

We do not have a policy of separating families at the border. Period.

You are not breaking the law by seeking asylum at a port of entry.

This misreporting by Members, press & advocacy groups must stop. It is irresponsible and unproductive. As I have said many times before, if you are seeking asylum for your family, there is no reason to break the law and illegally cross between ports of entry.

Congratulations to you and your entire team on your work. Building a national culture of preparedness is a priority for this administration.https://twitter.com/fema_dan/status/1007728135268335617 …