VICTORVILLE, Calif. (KABC) -- Approximately 1,600 immigrant detainees are being taken to federal prisons this weekend.
On Friday, buses with the detainees arrived at a Victorville prison.
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Immigration officials said detained immigrants are being transferred to prisons due to lack of space at detention centers.
Authorities said this is a temporary measure until they access more facilities, or until illegal crossings decrease.
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The decision to transfer immigrant detainees to federal prisons has drawn strong disapproval from immigration rights activists.
The decision of the transfers comes as the Justice Department puts in place a "zero tolerance" immigration policy, which calls for the prosecution of individuals who illegally enter the United States.