Mayor Leeser denies pressure to not declare emergency over migrant crisis: calls decision collaborative

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser once again denied he was pressured not to declare an emergency crisis over the migrant surge in a statement released Thursday.

The controversy erupted over a New York Post article that said the White House pressured the mayor not to declare a state of emergency due to fear it would make President Biden look bad.

In the letter, Mayor Leeser said he's been working with many partners, including the Border Patrol, the White House, Homeland Security, CBP, the County, regional elected officials, including Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, the Office of Emergency Management, partner cities, non-governmental organizations and others.

"Our partners concurred with my decision that the circumstances did not warrant an emergency disaster declaration, as the crisis was managed with everyone’s collaboration," said Leeser.

The Mayor has spoken out in response to the controversy, saying he didn't think an emergency was necessary at the time.

Mayor Leeser said the recently announced DHS policy to return Venezuelans without authorization to Mexico has significantly lowered the number of asylum seekers reaching our border.

"We have closed our welcome center as it is no longer currently needed, and the new policy provides the majority of asylum seekers we were assisting – if they qualify – an opportunity for a legal pathway into our country as well as the opportunity to apply for a work visa. Should anything change, we are positioned to stand up our operations as needed," said Leeser.

Leeser said his positions have been consistent, and he does not make decisions "based on political rhetoric or pressure."

Read the full statement below:

News Release Mayor Statement October 20 2022 by KVIA ABC-7 on Scribd