City and County of El Paso officials preparing for the end of Title 42

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso City and County continue their preparations ahead of the lifting of Title 42 next month.

The health order used during the pandemic to expel migrants who've entered the U.S. illegally, citing health concerns will expire on May 11.

Irene Valenzuela the executive director of the Community Services Department said over the last few weeks there's been an upward trend in the number of migrants coming into El Paso.

She said they expect those numbers to ramp up as the expiration date nears.

During the county commissioners meeting Thursday, Valenzuela explained they have 'restarted their partnership' with several different non-governmental organizations.

She said they have been in contact with several different NGOs throughout the state of Texas and want to build long-term relationships.

El Paso Deputy City Manager Mario D'Agostino said they are also discussing their response when it comes time for migrants to enter into the United States.

"We are going to see populations in large numbers. We are going to see a mix of populations that we have in the past half a year, say the unsponsored," he said.

D'Agostino said it will take different partnerships for this to function. Additionally, he said there have been ongoing conversations involving contractors and NGOs to be able to adequately prepare.

The County of El Paso requested $24 million from the federal government to address the migrant situation through the end of the year.

County officials said $5 million of those funds are expected to be deposited over the next few days.