EL PASO, Texas – The City of El Paso has extended its emergency ordinance for another month as it continues to tackle the ongoing migrant humanitarian crisis. The ordinance allows for the deployment of municipal personnel to assist the thousands of migrants released from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody each week. Migrant encounters in the El Paso-Southern New Mexico corridor have surged, with a daily average of 1,100 encounters in mid-December. This has resulted in overcrowding at local processing centers, with the population surpassing 4,500 on consecutive days. In response to the situation, the city has been utilizing the former Morehead Middle School as an emergency shelter, accommodating over 3,000 released migrants since December 22.
According to Mayor Oscar Leeser, the emergency shelter has been crucial in providing temporary accommodations for migrants. The facility has hosted a significant number of overnight stays, with recent figures indicating 396 stays on one night, 464 on another, and 485 the following night. This demonstrates the urgent need for additional resources to address the influx of migrants. The mayor emphasized the cost-effectiveness of utilizing the emergency shelter, highlighting that some migrants, such as family units, are being routed to hotels based on demographics. However, the school facility remains vital in accommodating the majority of released migrants.
Mayor Leeser reassured concerned citizens that the school would not be sold off to private developers, affirming the city’s commitment to utilizing the property for emergency sheltering purposes. He stated that even if the migrant emergency subsided, half of the property would continue as a general-purpose emergency shelter, while the other half would operate as an animal services facility. This demonstrates the city’s long-term planning and preparedness for future emergencies.
The migrant crisis at the border has shown recent signs of improvement as Mexican authorities crack down on migrants traveling by train. However, due to CBP’s authority to process the migrants under Title 8, those who surrendered last month are being released sparingly. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by border communities like El Paso and the critical need for coordinated efforts to address the humanitarian needs of the migrants.
The City of El Paso’s decision to extend the emergency ordinance underscores its commitment to addressing the migrant crisis responsibly. By deploying municipal personnel and utilizing the former Morehead Middle School as an emergency shelter, the city aims to provide temporary relief and assistance to the thousands of migrants seeking asylum. The use of this emergency shelter has proven instrumental in accommodating the growing number of released migrants, ensuring they have access to basic necessities during their transition. The city’s proactive approach in addressing the migrant humanitarian crisis demonstrates its commitment to upholding humanitarian values while maintaining the well-being of both its residents and migrants alike. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to find long-term solutions that prioritize human rights and dignity.
