Group calls on leaders to do more for migrants stranded on El Paso streets
EL PASO, Texas -- A group of volunteers is driving across the U.S.-Mexico border in order to help migrants.
The group called 'Witness at the Border' has been in El Paso for the past few days and has been distributing food, blankets and jackets to migrants stranded in the streets of downtown El Paso.
Large numbers of migrants have been seen near the Greyhound bus station as they wait to depart to the interior of the country.
One member Sandragrace Martinez says part of what is causing the bottle neck is that families are being released at different times - and those who are released don't want to leave the city until the rest of their family members are also released.
Martinez says she is concerned about migrants having no place to say at night and enduring the cold temperatures as well as the lack of sanitation being provided for the migrants.
"Really we need bathrooms, we need Porta Potties and if no one comes with and if no one comes up with a Porta Potty solution in the next 24 hours I will pay out of my pocket that is just the level of dignity that I wish somebody would please help," Martinez said. "It's not okay. There is a level of dignity that we can do better as Americans and to provide those essential needs."
Martinez is also calling for the community to do what they can - she says there is a dire need for jackets, mittens, and masks for the migrants who are not used to these cold temperatures.
