El Paso Mayor says call for migrant disaster declaration is “premature”

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser responded to an open letter from three city representatives who are calling for him to issue a disaster declaration in response to the "mass influx" of migrants.

Mayor Leeser said he appreciates their concern but says the action they are calling for is "premature."

"The migrants entering our community aren’t coming to El Paso, they are coming to the United States. This is a federal issue which we are working with the federal government to address, along with many partners. The migrants we have welcomed are not threatening our community, they are seeking political asylum which is permissible under U.S. law," said Leeser.

Read the full statement below:

Statement From Mayor Leeser - September 22, 2022 by KVIA ABC-7 on Scribd