El Paso considering issuing municipal identification cards, possibly helping migrants

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso City Council members passed a resolution Tuesday to look into issuing municipal identification cards. The measure was passed unanimously.

Several El Paso residents spoke before the vote. Many of those who spoke were immigration advocates, including representatives from the Border Network for Human Rights.

Many advocates in El Paso say they have been pushing for a program like this for years. Fernando Garcia with BNHR said this has been part of his mission for 10 years.

Advocates argue that municipal IDs would allow disadvantaged populations, like migrants, to access certain public services. Council pointed out that El Paso's military community would also benefit.

It is still unclear which services users would be able to access using their ID, and which would be off limits.

This measure empowers city employees to explore initiating a municipal ID program. Another votes to activate the program would still be needed at a future date.