Albuquerque anticipating ‘hundreds’ of migrant visitors

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller says “hundreds” of migrants from Central America and Brazil are expected to arrive in the city in the coming weeks and volunteers are preparing for visitors.

And Keller said Wednesday if the city runs out of temporary housing, he’ll open up his own home.

Keller told reporters federal immigration officials have notified New Mexico’s largest city that migrants seeking asylum will be arriving soon but no dates have been set. Recently, Albuquerque played host to around 300 asylum seekers who stayed in hotels before continuing their journeys.

But Keller says the city is seeking medical volunteers and faith-based groups are ready to provide temporary housing when needed.

Santa Fe Archbishop John Wester says the migrant crisis was a “spiritual reality” that has come to Albuquerque.

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