State’s top emergency management official visits Las Cruces shelters

New Mexico’s top emergency management official is visiting Las Cruces shelters currently overflowing with international asylum seekers.

State Homeland Security and Emergency Management Secretary Jackie White announced plans Thursday to visit the Gospel Rescue Mission and Community of Hope facilities in Las Cruces and meet with Mayor Ken Miyagishima.

U.S. immigration authorities last week began dropping off hundreds of immigrants in need of temporary shelter as arrangements are made for them to reach relatives or other long-term sponsors.

The city of Las Cruces is spending $75,000 on humanitarian supplies and using a community center to provide overnight housing and meals to immigrants.

U.S. border officials say they are struggling to cope with an influx of Central American families.

White is expected to arrived for a meeting with city officials starting at 2 p.m. and will tour the 3 facilities after. She will discuss the coordination between state, city and county officials to address the humanitarian aid being provided to migrants.

White is also scheduled to visit the Crisis Triage Center.