HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0002) IR 10290 - Asylum Seeker Sheltering Operation PlanningINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 10290
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 6, 2019
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SUBJECT: ASYLUM SEEKER SHELTERING OPERATION PLANNING
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The purpose of this report is to respond to Council's request to provide information regarding asylum
seeker sheltering operations in coordination with Catholic Charities, Volunteer Organizations Active in
Disasters (VOAD), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
In the month of May, El Paso saw 30,000 migrants seeking asylum. This number had been gradually
increasing since October 2018, almost 7-10 times the number of last year, and this is just one border
crossing. These individuals are legal asylum seekers that have been processed through federal agencies,
including ICE and are awaiting a court date.
Because of the large numbers seen at the border, jurisdictions across the state of Texas were advised in
April to prepare to receive asylum seekers. In the last couple of months, the number of asylum seekers at
the border has reduced, decreasing the need for asylum seeker shelter operations across the state.
Although the numbers have decreased, we continue to communicate and coordinate with our partners in
order to be able to support, activate, and coordinate temporary shelters if ever needed. Fort Worth would
be one stop along the way as individuals seeking asylum will be transported (by bus) to their final sponsor
destinations. They could be here for 6 hours to 3 days, depending on their final sponsor destination
(usually with a family member, friend, or non-profit).
Current Temporary Shelter Contingency Plans:
• Catholic Charities will be the lead on communication for the operation as this is an extension of
what is done by the organization on a daily basis. Catholic Charities continues to work with their
counterparts in El Paso as needed.
• OEM has worked with our VOAD Coordinator (Catholic Charities) and our community partners to
see what assistance could be provided SHOULD numbers ever increase again at the border.
• Possible temporary shelter locations and food/clothing/other resource streams have/are being
identified SHOULD it be needed. These shelters will not be used as a permanent housing solution
and would be activated for up to 2 weeks at a time.
OEM and our local/regional/federal partners continue to standby and ensure a plan remains in place should
we be called upon for this humanitarian effort. Should you have any questions please contact Maribel
Martinez-Mejia, Emergency Management Coordinator at 817-392-6173 or via email
maribel.martinez(afortworthtexas.gov
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS