El Paso, Texas — El Paso and other border towns have been helping refugees find safe temporary residence and assisting with basic living needs for years. Recent actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have dramatically increased the stress on organizations providing refugee assistance. The Green Party of El Paso County assesses this to be a critical situation for the community and immediate action by the US government is needed to avoid further deterioration.

Green Party of El Paso County

www.facebook.com/ElPasoCountyGreens/

For Immediate release

January 1, 2019

Contact

contact@epgreenparty.org

Refugee Relief Efforts: The Untold Story

For decades, the responsibility for assisting refugees and coordinating their journey through the borderlands has largely fallen on non-profit organizations such as Annunciation House that take in refugees after they are processed by the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Until this past October, CBP has coordinated with community leaders, such as Ruben Garcia director of Annunciation House, to efficiently find shelter for released migrants.

Since October 2018, a new policy has apparently taken hold where ICE will “dump” tens or hundreds of refugees outside bus stations. In many cases, these people, some with young children, have no money. Shelter directors are not being contacted ahead of time but are left to find out about the needs through word of mouth. It is astonishing that the US government would “dump” hundreds of people on the streets who have no resources to take care of even very basic needs.

In addition to the need for better coordination between ICE and community shelters, there is also a need for more resources. At this time, hospitality facilities such as those provided by Annunciation House are overwhelmed. Volunteers are exhausted. Donations of time and money are greatly needed. The people of El Paso have responded generously, but more is needed.

Emergency Actions are Needed

In light of the current crisis at the border, the Green Party of El Paso County calls for the following emergency actions from ICE, the President, and the US Congress: