Up until now, any migrant detained by Israeli Defense Forces on the border between Israel and Egypt was transferred to a detention facility in Sharonim in the southern part of the city. On Sunday, Israeli authorities were given the power to detain the illegal migrant workers for three years. The change in policy was driven by the increasing public controversy over the large number of African migrants who have entered Israel through Egypt.
The new law makes asylum seekers and illegal migrants liable to go to jail, without deportation or trial, if caught for remaining in Israel too long. In addition, those caught helping migrants or giving them shelter could be placed in prison for up to 15 years.
The new was an amendment to one in 1954 that was passed to prevent Palestinians from entering the country. The new law was expanded to include asylum seekers and migrant workers who cross into Israel but do not pose a threat to the country’s security.
All migrants prior to now who have been detained, were sent to the Sharonim facility which can hold up to 2,000 detainees. The facility is being expanded so it can contain up to 5,400 people. The Interior Ministry said that in less than a month the facility would no longer have space.
The ministry says that close to 60,000 migrants currently are living in Israel, with over 2,000 entering during May.
