More than 500 migrants were released into the streets of New Mexico and Texas on Dec. 26, as ICE struggles to process the deluge of migrants trying to enter the United States through the southern border.
“After decades of inaction by Congress, the government remains severely constrained in its ability to detain and promptly remove families with no legal basis to remain in the U.S. To mitigate the risk of holding family units past the timeframe allotted to the government, ICE has curtailed reviews of post-release plans from families apprehended along the southwest border. ICE continues to work with local and state officials and NGO partners in the area so they are prepared to provide assistance with transportation or other services.”
Local nonprofit groups are aiding the migrants released by ICE.
“They’re coming from immigration cells so they’re coming hungry, they’re coming thirsty, most haven’t bathed in a long time. The situation is really difficult for them,” said Dylan Corbett, executive director of the Hope Border Institute, via CBS.
The immigrants released on Christmas Day were dropped off at a bus station, where they were met and led away by local volunteers.
The migrants are in awe from the great treatment they are getting from locals.
“It’s unreal, like a dream. They gave us clothes, food, everything. I really didn’t expect this. Thank you so much,” said one of the migrants, unnamed in the CBS report.
The group is now taking blame for encouraging migrant families to embark on the journey with insufficient knowledge of the dangers involved. The founder of Pueblo Sin Fronteras, Roberto Corona, said that he informed the migrants of the risks, but that they still chose to come.
Meanwhile, the federal government shutdown persists, and President Trump told reporters that it will remain in place until Congress agrees to funding for a border wall.