If caravan enters United States, Las Cruces could host migrants

If the caravan of thousands of migrants passing through Mexico enters the United States, there is a space in Las Cruces to accommodate several families.

“I was wondering when something like this was going to happen,” said Orlando Carrillo-Jimenez, a local advocate for immigration. “Because the people there are tired. They’re tired of fighting.”

The Las Cruces man said his boarding space at the Holy Cross Retreat Center can accommodate between 10 and 15 families. With ten more volunteers, he said he can house even more families.

President Trump said he will use the military if necessary to prevent the migrants from entering the United States.

“You’re going to find MS-13,” Trump told reporters. “You’re gonna find Middle (Easterners). You’re going to find everything. And guess what, we’re not allowing them in our country.”

If the migrants enter the United States, the space in Las Cruces has multiple rooms, complete with beds and private attached bathrooms.

If you are interested in donating your clothes or volunteering your time, Carrillo-Jimenez can be reached at 575-649-8644. Clothes can be dropped off on Tuesday night or Wednesday during the day at the Holy Cross Retreat Center at 600 Holy Cross Road in Las Cruces. Carrillo-Jimenez said smaller sizes are preferred because the migrants are very malnourished.

“We are a country of abundance,” Carrillo-Jimenez said. “We have to do something to help these people.”