The lone dissenter on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors says that more than $19 million in federal funding will not help the migrant "epicenter" in the long term.
Supervisor Jim Desmond, a frequent critic of San Diego's immigration policies, voted against advancing a long-term migrant and asylum-seeker transit center plan during Tuesday's board meeting. Approved dollars will provide shelter, food, transportation, acute medical care, personal hygiene supplies and labor to support migrants recently released from federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody.
Funding approved by a 4-1 vote is coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Shelter and Services Program (SSP). After the board approved $3 million each in October and December to open a temporary migrant center, funding dried out and required the board to approve another plan in February to move ahead with a more viable solution.
"The recent allocation of $19 million in federal dollars will not solve the crisis, as the money will not be used to protect the border but only allow for more concierge service to get migrants to their destinations across the United States," Desmond, a Republican, told Newsweek. "We have laws set in place, but currently, the federal government is not upholding them."
Since October 1 the San Diego border sector has apprehended 214,855 individuals from more than 75 countries, he said.
That included more than 9,000 last week alone, according to Chief Patrol Agent Patricia McGurk-Daniel, head of the Border Patrol's San Diego Sector. She wrote April 24 on X, formerly Twitter, that between April 17-23, the 9,500-plus apprehensions included 218 unaccompanied minors encountered, 22 rescues and 35 human-smuggling events interdicted.
In that timespan, law enforcement seized 154 pounds of cocaine, 238 pounds of methamphetamine, 36.8 pounds of fentanyl, 22 smuggling conveyances and seven firearms.
Asked what he preferred the federal funding be used for rather than long-term shelter and asylum resources, he said he'd prefer money to go towards safety and security—namely more enforcement and agents on the ground.
"This money only allows for San Diego to process more people entering the country and to send them somewhere else in the country," Desmond said. "We have already seen that spending millions of dollars on the issue has resulted in more people entering the country. We are rolling out the red carpet using taxpayer dollars."
California's sanctuary status is making matters worse, he added, claiming it has hindered law enforcement from proactively managing the migrant crisis—including required coordination with federal immigration authorities in incidents involving border breaches.
But the plan that advanced on Tuesday "is vital for providing dignified and humane assistance, including essential resources such as food, clothing and crucial information to safely guide people to their intended destinations," according to Board Chairperson Nora Vargas.
"Together, we are working to tackle the global humanitarian crisis at our border by expediting the asylum process, reducing street releases and ensuring that asylum-seekers are treated with the utmost dignity as they seek safety and a brighter future," Vargas said in a statement, according to reports.
Supervisor Joel Anderson, who sponsored the proposal with Vargas, reportedly said that since last September the San Diego region has experienced 135,000 migrant street releases—processing more than 80,000 people in the process, with some 99 percent leaving the area to go to other locations.
Funding is "a step in the right direction" and will minimize the exploitation and homelessness of migrants, Anderson said.
"I want to thank Chair Nora Vargas for her leadership in addressing the humanitarian crisis at our border," Anderson told Newsweek on Wednesday. "[Tuesday's] action is a huge step in ensuring the safety of not only those who are entering our country seeking asylum but also of our residents who will no longer have to be burdened with federally sponsored street releases."
Newsweek reached out to Vargas via email for comment.
One San Diego resident, who introduced herself only as Pam, accused board members in support of migrant resources of facilitating a problem exacerbated by the Biden administration—leading to no cultural diversity but opening the door for migrants to commit "nefarious" acts.
Nongovernmental organizations are "drooling" for federal funds emanating from immigration-related policies, she added.
"This situation will not end well," Pam said from the podium. "This is insanity and suicide for America, but that is the goal, isn't it? Shame on you for being complicit. This is despicable and evil."
Other residents who spoke thanked the board for their efforts, with one saying she's "proud and honored" that the city's cultural roots and humanitarian efforts are not being left behind.
Update 05/01/24, 11:29 a.m. ET: This story was updated with comment from Joel Anderson.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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