What will happen to the hundreds of migrants in Las Cruces and El Paso?
What will happen to the hundreds of migrants released to El Paso and Las Cruces churches this week?
“We have a partnership with the government to get them to their sponsor,” said Pastor George Miller of El Calvario United Methodist Church in Las Cruces.
In total, the federal government released 378 legal migrants this week who have applied for refugee status in the United States. Of those hundreds, El Calvario hosted 23 migrants for the night.
“They have nothing, except for what’s on their back,” Miller said. “They’re hungry.”
The churches provided food, medical check-ups and a warm shower for migrants. After their night at a church like El Calvario, Miller said they contact a family member who can buy them a bus or plane ticket for their immigration hearing.
“If we know that people are being released, we’ll try to do our best to take care of them,” Miller said. “We welcome the stranger.”
Walter Alpirez said he traveled from Guatemala with his five-year-old daughter, Leslie.
“I’m scared for our future,” Alpirez said in Spanish. “In Guatemala, it’s difficult.”
The 26-year-old father said his journey with his young daughter took 18 days.
Pedro Perez told ABC-7 in Spanish that he is fleeing violence in Guatemala. The 27-year-old father traveled with his 6-year-old daughter, Florinda.
“My dream is to live in the United States and provide for my family,” Perez said in Spanish.
Donations needed below (list provided by the Diocese):
MEDICINE NEEDED: Acetaminophen liquid for children, tablets or capsules for adults, Ibuprofen liquid for children, tablets or capsules for adults, Liquid cold medicine for children and adults, Pepto Bismol for both children and adults, Mylanta for both children and adults, Antacid chewables for both children and adults, Pedialite​​​​​​, Antihistamines liquid for children, tablets or capsules for adults, Cough Medicine for both children and adults, Cough Lozenges, Vaseline, Vicks Vaporub, Scale to weigh people
FOOD NEEDED: Bottled Water, Drinks (that are easy to distribute)-Capri Sun, Juice box, Granola BarS, Fruit, Cereal and Milk, Small packaged snacks (Cookies, crackers, trail mix, chips), Sliced bread, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Hot dog buns, Winnies, Cold Cuts for Sandwiches, Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup, Pickles, Canned Chili Beans, Canned Green Beans, Canned Pinto Beans, Canned Corn
KITCHEN ITEMS NEEDED: 8 oz. cups, Forks, Knives, Spoons , 9 inch plates, Small bowls, Napkins, Large roll aluminum Foil, Quarter gallon Ziploc bags, One gallon Ziploc bags
TOILETRY SUPPLIES NEEDED: Travel Size Toiletries (Shampoo, Soap, Deodorant, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Moisturizing Cream, Comb), Toilet paper
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:, Car Seats, Linen (Twin sheets, pillows, pillow case and Towels), Brand new Underwear, for Men, Women and Children (Mostly small and medium size needed), Tennis Shoes (from 2-year-old to adults), Brand New pairs of socks, for Men, Women and Children, Jeans (Denim) for Men, Women and Children, Coats, Clorox Wipes, Gloves for Handling Food
To volunteer, email refugees@annunciationhouse.org,
