El Paso continues to face new migrant surge

EL PASO, TX (KVIA) -- NGOs, city, and county officials are seeing the release of over 1,100 migrants into the community every day due to a recent surge in migrant arrivals.

The city has provided shelter to 4,200 individuals in local hotels over the past week, but with the spike in numbers, The Office of Emergency Management preparations have begun at the Nations-Toben Recreation Center.

However, city spokeswoman Laura Cruz-Acosta clarified that the space at the recreation center has yet to be utilized.

County Judge Ricardo Samaniego explained the county's commitment to aiding the rescue mission through funding, supporting the Opportunity Center and other facilities. However, they are facing a significant financial challenge.

“Typically, we can provide funding, but we've already allocated our budget for the next two to three months, leaving us in a tight spot. We're requesting additional funding to address critical needs, such as establishing new shelters with the diocese," Judge Samaniego stated.

Additionally, Samaniego says the bishop has expressed a desire to open one of the larger churches to offer shelter, but the initiative is on hold pending the necessary funding.

While Border Patrol hasn't provided updated migrant encounter numbers, the city reports that we are now receiving over 1,200 people daily.

The need for additional resources and support becomes increasingly evident. Judge Samaniego also mentioned our neighboring communities are lending a helping hand.

“Las Cruces is helping us, so Houston is helping us with charter busses to to Houston, and we're working with other communities. They bring the busses, they pay for everything, and then they take them to bigger, larger places where the airports are larger. And they could do things a lot better and a lot cheaper. And sponsors are more likely to want to support because it cost is less.”