Sessions explicitly announces zero-tolerance will separate families

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the administration would prosecute 100% of illegal border crossings under a 'zero-tolerance' policy, explicitly stating this would result in separating children from their parents. 'If you cross the border unlawfully...we will prosecute you,' Sessions said. 'If you're smuggling a child, then we're going to prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you, probably, as required by law.' The announcement made explicit what had been piloted quietly: using family separation as a deterrent. Sessions framed it as enforcing the law, but the policy was a deliberate choice - previous administrations had prosecutorial discretion. The policy led to over 2,800 children being separated from families over subsequent weeks.

"If you cross the border unlawfully...we will prosecute you. If you're smuggling a child, then we're going to prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you, probably, as required by law." — Sessions' May 7, 2018 press conference announcing zero-tolerance policy