San Diego leaders condemn mass migrant drop-offs at transit stations.
San Diego Politicians Speak Out Against Migrant Drop-Off Policy
In an ongoing situation that has captured national attention, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are continuing to transport hundreds of migrants to transit centers across San Diego County. However, local politicians are now voicing their opposition to this policy.
The reason behind these drop-offs is an attempt to clear a space between two U.S.-Mexico border fences, where over 700 migrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees had been camping. According to a border patrol statement, the closure of the Pedestrian West border crossing in San Ysidro on September 14 allowed authorities to process the individuals stuck between the border. As a result, migrants have been brought to transit centers as far north as Oceanside.
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Representative Mike Levin (D-Dana Point) expressed his support for the migrants who were dropped off in Oceanside without a choice. He commended the city’s elected leaders, senior staff, and local social services organizations for their responsiveness. However, he also raised concerns about the lack of resources provided by the White House to address this situation. Rep. Levin is determined to find a safe, rapid, and respectful resolution while emphasizing the urgent need for Congress to take action and fix the broken immigration system.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond took a more direct approach, criticizing the drop-off policy as inhumane and lacking compassion. He accused the Federal Government of failing in its obligation to protect the people of San Diego County and putting the region at risk. Mr. Desmond emphasized that if the Federal Government wants to process asylum seekers, it must provide sufficient resources to manage the influx of people entering the area. He also expressed concerns about the impact on the already severe homeless problem in San Diego County.
The drop-offs have overwhelmed nonprofits like Jewish Family Service, which operates the shelter system for the San Diego Rapid Response Network—a coalition supporting asylum seekers in the region. In response, the nonprofit announced that it will only accept the most vulnerable asylum seekers released by the Department of Homeland Security, including those with medical conditions, families, pregnant individuals, LGBTQI individuals, and older adults, as space allows.
County Supervisor Joel Anderson wrote a letter to President Biden, requesting assistance in processing asylum seekers entering San Diego and urging an immediate halt to the lateral transfer of asylum seekers from other states. He emphasized that receiving federal support would enable them to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis without exacerbating the existing homelessness crisis in the region. According to Mr. Anderson, the San Diego Rapid Response Network has already provided shelter and humanitarian aid to over 157,000 individuals since the fall of 2018 when the Department of Homeland Security began releasing hundreds of migrant families onto the streets of San Diego.
Mr. Anderson concluded his letter by stating that the community expects an unknown number of individuals to be released directly into their midst, which is neither safe nor fair to San Diego County residents or those seeking refuge in the border county.
How does Councilmember Vivian Moreno believe the federal government should address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations?
Maio (R-San Marcos) expressed his displeasure with the drop-off policy, stating that it puts a burden on local communities and resources. He voiced concerns about the potential strain on already limited housing, healthcare, and social services in the area. Supervisor Maio believes that the federal government needs to take responsibility for these migrants and provide the necessary resources to ensure their well-being.
Furthermore, members of the San Diego City Council have also spoken out against the drop-off policy. Councilmember Vivian Moreno (D-San Diego) expressed her frustration with the lack of coordination and communication between federal, state, and local agencies. She stressed the importance of finding a long-term solution to address the root causes of migration, rather than simply relocating the individuals without a comprehensive plan.
Councilmember Moreno also highlighted the need to ensure the safety and well-being of these migrants, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and families. She called for increased support and funding from the federal government to address the humanitarian crisis at the border.
In response to these concerns, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has stated that they are working closely with local authorities and community partners to address the impact of the drop-off policy. They have emphasized their commitment to the safety and security of these individuals while acknowledging the challenges faced by local communities.
The situation in San Diego County serves as a reminder of the ongoing immigration challenges faced by communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. It highlights the need for comprehensive immigration reform and a coordinated approach between federal, state, and local agencies.
Local politicians in San Diego are calling for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure the well-being of these migrants. They are urging the White House and Congress to allocate additional resources and support to tackle the root causes of migration and fix the broken immigration system.
As the national conversation continues to focus on immigration, it is essential for policymakers to prioritize the safety and welfare of those seeking refuge in the United States. The voices of local politicians in San Diego are vital in highlighting the urgency and importance of finding a solution that is both compassionate and effective.
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