PHOENIX (AP) — Hundreds of illegal immigrants have been released by the Obama administration due to budget pressures. Officials have also scaled back border agent hours, drug patrols and staffing at border crossings — all during the peak illegal border-crossing season.

While prompted by the nation's money woes, these changes also come amid the nation's shifting immigration policy after years of mass arrests and deportations and billions spent on border security.

Marco Antonio Durazo had been awaiting deportation from an Arizona detention center for six months. He says an officer came to get him from his cell and told him: "Obama doesn't have any money."

The release of more than 2,200 immigrants like Durazo drew headlines this month as the government prepared for looming cuts that began in March.

More From K2 Radio