2005: DHS and DOJ began “Operation Streamline
A joint initiative which adopted a “zero tolerance” approach that included the criminal prosecution of all unauthorized border-crossings. Rather than immigration cases being heard individually, they were instead tried in large groups — of up to 70 people at a time. Each defendant would have about 90 seconds to plead their case, and if convicted, serve anywhere from 30 days to two years in prison or in a detention center.