CBP confirms a temporary processing center could be coming to Yuma
Customs and Border Protection has confirmed to News 11 that a temporary processing center might be coming to Yuma.
CBP officials said in part:
“Due to a sustained influx of migrants being apprehended in the Yuma sector in excess of current capacity, the United States Border Patrol is exploring constructing a temporary soft-sided facility in Yuma, Arizona, similar to those built in Texas.”
When asked what soft-sided meant, Yuma Sector Border Patrol explained it was not going to be a brick and mortar building.
“It’s temporary and it is designed as such. So we need it absolutely in order to help us deal with the large influx of individuals that we have out here,” said Agent Jose Garibay, Yuma Sector Border Patrol.
Agents added they would not be able to confirm a timeline for the potential project.
“I wouldn’t be able to say specifically how fast it will be going up, but it should be sometime in the near future, if it does go up. Due to the fact that we’re seeing an increasing influx of these other than Mexican Nationals coming across and it doesn’t look like it’s ending anytime soon,” said Agent Jose Garibay, Yuma Sector Border Patrol.
The Mayor of Yuma has confirmed he has heard about the proposal to bring a temporary processing center to Yuma. “It’s probably been a few weeks since I heard it, but I have not actually seen any activity on it,” said Mayor Douglas Nicholls, City of Yuma.
On May 1, President Trump asked Congress for $4.5 billion for humanitarian response and border operations. As part of his request, he asked for $273 million for processing centers at the southern border that would ultimately add 3,500 more beds. The President also requested $10 million to improve migrant processing and technology systems.
The proposal came just one day after Mayor Nicholls met with the President and acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan. Nicholls called for a state of emergency in April after Border Patrol announced its processing center was well overcapacity and they would be releasing those inside to the Yuma community.
