Trump administration caught shelters caught between snow and FEMA on illegal migrants to send mixed messages
The Trump administration has continued illegal migrants for non-government shelters along the US-Maxico border. This step comes after warning the same organizations that offer temporary housing and with any help can be a violation of the law used to prosecute smugglers.In a letter on March 11, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warned that providing food, housing and transport to migrants could be considered a violation of the federal law. The agency also demanded detailed information about illegal migrants from shelters as part of comprehensive investigation.
Why are non-government shelters important?
Shelters have an important role in supporting migrants by offering temporary housing, food and assistance along with visit to other parts of the United States. However, after FEMA’s letter, many of these organizations are now uncertain whether to help the migrants continue to continue in any legal trouble.Despite the letter issued by FEMA, the US immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) have asked to take shelters in Texas and Arizona to take shelters in those who were released from the prevention centers. Rebecca Soloa, Executive Director of Catholic Charity Diocese, Laredo, Texas, described FEMA’s letter as dangerous. He said, “It was very scary. I am not going to lie.”After the letter was released, Soloa’s shelter received 8 to 10 people a day from snow – until it had to stop in April due to financial loss and lack of FEMA funding. Aashiya has helped over 120,000 people since opening in 2021.Another shelter, even at Holding Institute, Laredo, continues to receive 20 families a week, including people from Russia, Turkey, Iran, Iraq and China.
Conflicting message from the government:
Both Ice and FEMA are part of the Homeland Security Department. While the goal of an agency is to help the housing migrants, the second is warning that it can be illegal.Earlier, during the administration of former US President Joe Biden in 2024, FEMA awarded $ 641 million to dozens of state and local governments as well as non-profit organizations across the country to help them manage the huge arrival of migrants crossing the US-Maxico border.However, after the formation of the new government and the introduction of new executive orders, FEMA has paid shelters, while it continues its investigation, leaving many without federal funding. Catholic charities, which were expected to support $ 7 million from FEMA, were forced to close their Laredo Shelter after a loss of about $ 1 million.The Holding Institute has raised its employees and volunteers from 45 to 7. To save money, it distributes most food without protein. Language obstacles have also made it difficult to serve migrants from many countries.
Why are migrants being released?
Ice says it releases migrants only when they have a sponsor – usually a family member or a friend. But in some cases, people need ice to release, especially when judges rule in favor of migrants. Families are especially difficult to detain for a long time. The ICE cannot usually catch families with children for more than 20 days, under a long -standing court agreement that the Trump administration is now trying to end.
Struggle to continue shelters:
Even with mixed messages, many shelters say they will continue to help until they can.“There is a connection with our federal partners to do a good work. We always have,” Solo said. He said, “He asked us to help, then we will continue to help, but at some point, we cannot tolerate it right now,” he said.Despite facing financial and legal uncertainty, shelters say they are committed to help migrants need.
