Supervisor Jim Desmond of San Diego County opposes a plan to spend over $19 million in federal funding on a new migrant and asylum-seeker transit center.
He believes the money will not address long-term challenges at the migrant “epicenter.” Despite his objections, the funding was approved in a 4-1 vote.
Follow the Money
The approved funds are designated to support the provision of shelter, food, transportation, acute medical care, personal hygiene supplies, and labor to assist migrants recently released from federal custody.
These resources are intended to provide immediate relief to migrants as they transition out of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody.
Temporary Solutions Drying Up
Initial steps saw $3 million allocated each in October and December to kickstart a temporary center.
As funds dwindled, the board faced pressure to devise a more sustainable strategy.
Desmond’s Stance on Spending
Desmond criticizes the current use of funds: “The recent allocation of $19 million in federal dollars will not solve the crisis,” he told Newsweek.
He prefers a pivot toward enhancing border safety and enforcement.
Border Apprehensions Soar
The San Diego border sector has seen a significant increase in apprehensions, with 214,855 individuals from more than 75 countries detained since October 1, according to Supervisor Desmond.
This demonstrates the ongoing challenges faced at the border.
A Busy Week at the Border
In one week alone, more than 9,000 individuals were apprehended by the Border Patrol, including 218 unaccompanied minors.
These numbers were shared by Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting the scale of border enforcement activities.
The Contraband Challenge
During the same week, law enforcement agencies seized substantial amounts of narcotics.
Additionally, they intercepted 35 human-smuggling events and recovered various smuggling conveyances and firearms, reflecting the intense enforcement efforts at the border.
Funding Priorities Questioned
Desmond expressed a clear preference for the funds: focus on safety rather than temporary shelters.
“This money only allows for San Diego to process more people and send them elsewhere,” he remarked, highlighting his security-first approach.
California’s Sanctuary Status
Desmond criticized California’s sanctuary policies, arguing that they complicate the management of the migrant crisis by limiting coordination with federal immigration authorities.
He believes these policies are detrimental to the effective control and security of the border.
A Plan for Dignity and Assistance
Board Chairperson Nora Vargas defended the plan, describing it as crucial for providing “dignified and humane assistance” to migrants.
Her statement emphasized the commitment to helping asylum-seekers with necessary resources to reach their destinations safely and with dignity.
Addressing Migrant Homelessness
Supervisor Joel Anderson, who co-sponsored the proposal, stressed that the funding would help reduce the risks of exploitation and homelessness among migrants.
“This action is a huge step in ensuring the safety of not only those who are entering our country seeking asylum but also of our residents,” he told Newsweek.
Voices from the Community
The community is divided. Resident Pam criticizes the board’s actions, seeing them as detrimental.
Meanwhile, other residents commend the board, proud of San Diego’s ongoing cultural and humanitarian efforts.
