Trump administration announces zero-tolerance policy for illegal border crossing

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announces a zero-tolerance policy directing federal prosecutors along the southwest border to prosecute all adults entering illegally under 8 U.S.C. section 1325, including those seeking asylum. Sessions directs each United States Attorneys Office to prosecute 100 percent of all illegal border crossings. The policy results in family separation, with children placed in government custody while parents face criminal prosecution. Sessions later clarifies that the administration will separate families and prosecute parents as a deterrent to illegal immigration.