SAN DIEGO, CA — In a landmark decision, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on Tuesday to accept nearly $19.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding will be utilized to establish a migrant transition day center aimed at helping immigrants entering the United States travel to their final destinations.
The initiative, which was first advanced on April 30 with a 4-1 vote, directed Sarah Aghassi, the interim chief administrative officer, to implement programs that provide essential services such as temporary shelter, food, transportation, acute medical care, personal hygiene supplies, and labor support to migrants recently released from federal Department of Homeland Security custody.
Addressing Global Migration Challenges
Board Chairwoman Nora Vargas emphasized the significance of the funding, describing it as a pivotal step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the county: global migration. Speaking through board clerk Andrew Potter due to a vocal cord issue, Vargas highlighted the county’s commitment to treating every individual with dignity and respect.
“The county is taking a monumental step forward in addressing the needs of our migrant and refugee communities,” Vargas stated. “These services are about treating every individual with dignity and respect.”
Ensuring Comprehensive Support
The supervisors also approved a provision mandating nonprofit contractors to accept all migrants, ensuring that no individual is left without support. In her statement, Vargas noted that the county will begin soliciting bids to establish the migrant center, with funding expected to be available by the end of May. Proposals are due in June, and a contract is anticipated to be awarded in July.
Barbara Jimenez from the county’s Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities provided an update during the meeting, detailing the steps taken since the FEMA funding became available. She noted that since mid-September, more than 136,000 migrants have been released from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol custody in the county.
Divergent Views on the Funding
Despite the broad support, Supervisor Jim Desmond cast the sole dissenting vote, arguing that the funding does not address the long-term issues associated with the national migration crisis. Desmond criticized the Biden administration for its handling of border security and the vetting process for migrants.
“This effectively approves and perpetuates the federal government’s mismanagement of the border,” Desmond said. “I refuse to be complicit in a broken system.”
In contrast, Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer pointed out that a bipartisan bill addressing some of Desmond’s concerns had been blocked by former President Donald Trump. She stressed the need for comprehensive solutions and praised the efforts of the CAO’s office in preventing migrants from being stranded in the county.
Looking Ahead
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has previously approved funding for migrant centers, including $3 million last October and another $3 million in December. These efforts culminated in the recent approval of Vargas’ proposal for a sustainable, federally funded center after a temporary facility was closed due to a lack of funding.
As the county moves forward with this initiative, it aims to provide critical support to migrants, ensuring their safe transition and upholding their dignity and respect.
This story was originated by Karen Weil / City News Service
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