Border Patrol chief says tougher policies are needed to deter migrants from entering U.S. illegally

Washington — In an interview on Thursday with CBS News, Border Patrol chief Jason Owens said the U.S. government needs to implement tougher immigration policies, including by jailing migrants, to deter unlawful crossings along the southern border.

"I think we need to take a look at the asylum laws and make it where only people that have a legitimate claim can claim asylum," Owens said in his first sit-down interview in English since assuming the top role at Border Patrol in June 2023. "I think that we need to be able to enforce the immigration laws that are on the books and hold people accountable whenever they choose to break the law."

Asked if was referring to tougher federal policies, Owens said, "Yes."