WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Thursday defended plans to deport families who fled violence from Central America as “consistent with our laws and our values.”

Adults and children who don’t qualify for asylum will be the target of upcoming raids to return them to Central America. More than 100,000 have trekked through Mexico since last year.

“Our border is not open to illegal immigration, and if individuals come here illegally . . . they will be sent back consistent with our laws and our values,” said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement press secretary Gillian Christensen.

Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley condemned the raids as inhumane.