Part of President Donald Trump’s effort to get serious about enforcing America’s immigration laws was his decision Friday to end the controversial “catch and release” policy expanded under Barack Obama. In a signed memorandum, Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate with other agencies to “expeditiously end” within 45 days the practice known as “catch and release.” As part of the order, Trump is requesting “a detailed list of all existing facilities, including military facilities, that could be used, modified, or repurposed to detain aliens for violations of immigration law at or near the borders of the United States.”

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders described the practice of “catch and release” as a “dangerous” policy, stating that “the safety and security of the American people is the president’s highest priority, and he will keep his promise to protect our country and to ensure that our laws are respected.” She further added, “At the same time, the president continues to call on congressional Democrats to cease their staunch opposition to border security and to stop blocking measures that are vital to the safety and security of the United States.”

This is another welcome move from Trump that every American citizen should be cheering. It also indicates that Trump is determined to force the problem of illegal immigration to the forefront of the midterm elections — to make it a central issue on which no candidate can avoid taking a stand. It’s a savvy political calculation, but it is also a practical decision aimed at taking real action to enforce the nation’s laws and protect our borders. That’s especially true given the recent uptick in attempted border crossings.