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Texas migrant shelters are empty amid immigration crackdown

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feeds.texastribune.org – By Berenice Garcia – 2025-02-14 05:00:00

Texas migrant shelters are nearly empty after Trump’s actions effectively shut the border

Texas migrant shelters are nearly empty after Trump’s actions effectively shut the border” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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McALLEN — Migrant shelters that helped nearly a thousand asylum seekers per day at the height of migrant crossings just a few years ago are now nearly empty.

The shelters mostly along the Texas-Mexico border reported a plunge in the number of people in their care since the Trump administration effectively closed the border to asylum seekers in January. Some expect to close by the end of the month.

McAllen officials reported an average of fewer than 12 people arriving at the respite center run by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley this month and are on track to have fewer than 350 people in February. In January, the respite center received a total of 3,188 people.

The asylum seekers who arrive at these shelters are dropped off by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after they have been processed by immigration officials and given a notice to appear in immigration court at a later date.

The staff at the shelters provide food, a place to stay, and other necessities until the migrants move on to their final destination in the U.S.

Annunciation House, an El Paso-based migrant shelter network, has a total of about 40 people at the shelters, according to Ruben Garcia, director of the organization.

[Trump’s mass deportation plans have echoes of a 1950s federal crackdown that swept through Texas]

Because of the small number of people in their shelters, only four of the more than 20 facilities in their network are in operation. Garcia said he will likely close more by the end of the month, keeping only one or two open.

But most of those sites were closed last year, Garcia said, as the number of migrant arrivals began to dwindle under the Biden administration. This was partly due to the Mexican government’s efforts to crack down on immigration but also former President Joe Biden’s executive order last summer that did not allow people to apply for asylum if they entered the country between ports of entry.

When Biden was still in office, Annunciation House received a daily average of 250 to 300 people which Garcia said was low for the shelter.

“Even before the election, the numbers were already significantly down,” Garcia said.

Another El Paso shelter, Casa del Sagrado Corazon, also saw fewer arrivals last year, prompting the closure of their shelter in September, according to Michael Debruhl, the shelter director.

A shelter in San Antonio, the Migrant Resource Center, stopped accepting new migrants last week due to low numbers.

At the respite center in McAllen run by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, the low number of people had led to staff cuts even before they received notice they would no longer receive funds from the federal government.

Sister Norma Pimentel, the executive director of RGV Catholic Charities, said she received notice on Jan. 30 that the center would no longer be compensated for the shelter’s expenses as they had been through the Shelter and Services Program.

Congress established that federal program, which is run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, during Trump’s first term to reimburse local and state governments and nonprofits for providing emergency aid to migrants such as food and shelter.

“As it is, we were already cutting down staff because we don’t have people come in anymore or the numbers are very, very low, like 10 or five,” Pimentel said.

Despite the loss in federal funds and the small number of people arriving at the shelter, Pimentel said the respite center will continue to be available to those who need it.

“We will continue to operate as long as there’s a need,” Pimentel said. “If there are people who we can help, the church will always be present to help.”

Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/02/14/texas-migrant-shelters-empty/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.

News from the South - Texas News Feed

Texas A&M can’t ban “Draggieland” drag show, federal judge rules

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www.kxan.com – Jessica Priest/Texas Tribune – 2025-04-02 13:43:00

SUMMARY: A federal judge temporarily blocked Texas A&M University System from enforcing a drag show ban, allowing Draggieland, a student-run event, to proceed on March 27. The judge ruled the ban likely violated the First Amendment. The Queer Empowerment Council, which organizes the event, sued after the regents banned drag across all campuses, citing orders from Trump and Abbott against “gender ideology.” Texas A&M argued drag degrades women and violates anti-discrimination laws. The Attorney General appealed the ruling. The case follows broader debates over drag, including past bans struck down in court. Draggieland is for audiences 18 and older.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Trump Administration mistakenly deported Maryland man

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www.youtube.com – FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth – 2025-04-02 07:29:23

SUMMARY: In a pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Democrat Susan Crawford defeated Republican Brad Schimel, supported by President Trump and Elon Musk, marking the highest voter turnout and most expensive race in U.S. history. This win solidifies a liberal majority expected to influence decisions on abortion and voting rights. Meanwhile, in Florida, Republicans retained control in a special election. President Trump plans to announce a significant tariff increase, termed “Liberation Day,” aimed at rectifying trade imbalances but concerns arise about its impact on American consumers. Additionally, the Trump administration admitted to mistakenly deporting Maryland resident Rodrigo Garcia, claiming he has gang ties, a charge he denies.

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The Trump Administration acknowledged an error they made—that led to a Maryland man being deported to an El Salvador prison.

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Spring cleaning: How to spruce up your kitchen, especially for busy parents

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www.youtube.com – KHOU 11 – 2025-04-02 07:05:38

SUMMARY: Spring cleaning isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about organizing spaces for ease and functionality. Professional organizer Dale Vulp offers tips for busy parents, using Carly’s kitchen as an example. For parents like Carly, keeping things organized with stackable storage containers and clear labels helps manage items like sippy cups. In the pantry, separating cans and using clear boxes makes it easy to locate items. Vulp suggests using organizers in drawers to maximize space. While Carly’s kitchen showcases plenty of space, the tips are useful for smaller kitchens and pantries, ensuring everything is visible and accessible.

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Professional organizer and stylist Dale Volpe shows how to spruce up your kitchen.

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