As the Biden administration grapples with a surge in migration at the U.S.-Mexico border, it has decided to reopen a site near the border to accommodate unaccompanied migrant children. This move comes as federal agencies are facing challenges in providing shelter and care for the increasing numbers of children arriving at the border without their parents.
The site chosen for reopening is a former work camp located in Carrizo Springs, Texas. While this location was used in 2021 to house migrant teenagers, it is now being upgraded to meet higher standards of care and include additional facilities. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is taking this step to ensure the well-being of these vulnerable children.
This marks the second time in less than two months that HHS has reopened an “influx care facility” for unaccompanied children. Last month, another former work camp in Pecos, Texas, was reopened for this purpose. The decision to utilize such facilities is in response to the growing number of unaccompanied children arriving at the border.
Under federal law, unaccompanied children not from Mexico must be transferred from U.S. border officials to HHS within 72 hours of processing. HHS is responsible for their care until they reach the legal age or can be placed with a sponsor in the U.S., typically a relative. Traditionally, HHS has housed migrant children in state-licensed shelters, but the need for additional capacity has led to the use of “influx care facilities.”
HHS confirmed the reopening of the Carrizo Springs housing facility, emphasizing the importance of having access to such facilities when the regular network reaches or approaches capacity. This step is part of the government’s efforts to address the challenges posed by the recent increase in migration.
This summer witnessed a significant uptick in the number of migrant children crossing the U.S. southern border. HHS data obtained by CBS News reveals that the agency received over 12,000 migrant children in September and 13,000 in August, compared to approximately 9,400 in July. As of Thursday morning, HHS was housing 10,960 unaccompanied minors, a 75% increase from early July when the count was around 6,000.
The surge in the arrival of migrant children has presented logistical and humanitarian challenges to the Biden administration. In fiscal year 2022, HHS received a record 128,904 unaccompanied minors, surpassing the 122,731 received in the previous year. The majority of these children originate from northern Central America.
This surge began shortly after President Biden took office in January 2021, causing overcrowding in Border Patrol facilities meant for temporary detention. In response, makeshift shelters were established in various locations, including convention centers, military bases, and work camps like the one reopening in Carrizo Springs.
While emergency shelters provided relief from overcrowding, some faced allegations of substandard living conditions and inadequate services, leading to emotional distress among the children. For instance, at the Fort Bliss Army base in Texas, concerns about the mental health of the migrant children housed there led to constant monitoring for escape attempts and panic attacks. These children were even prohibited from having basic items like toothbrushes.
It’s essential to clarify that children in HHS custody are not detained in jail-like centers or cells. Most unaccompanied children in HHS care are placed in shelters that offer educational, recreational, medical, and mental health services. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for these children during their time in U.S. government custody.
