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GPS Used To Track Some Immigrants Caught At Border

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The Homeland Security Department is using GPS-enabled ankle bracelets to keep track of some immigrants caught crossing the border illegally.

The pilot program comes months after officials found that 70 percent of immigrant families disappeared after they were released into the U.S. with instructions to report back to immigration authorities later.

A confidential government document obtained by The Associated Press shows that the pilot program involves about 250 parents caught crossing the Mexican border illegally with their children in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched the program on Dec. 1. It will be expanded if it results in more immigrants following instructions to report to authorities after they are detained and released.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.