U.S. authorities could separate women and children crossing together illegally into the United States under a proposal being considered by the Department of Homeland Security, Reuters reported.

Part of the reason for the proposal is to deter mothers from migrating to the United States with their children.

In the case of adoption of the law, the government would keep parents in custody while they contest deportation or wait for asylum hearings. Children would be put into protective custody with the Department of Health and Human Services.