The Salvation Army now over capacity with asylum seekers

Over the weekend, The Salvation Army released footage from inside the shelter it has been running to assist those released from Border Patrol’s custody.

In the video, The Salvation Army said they’re willing to help any asylum seekers in need as long as they have the capacity to do so.

However, Captain Jeff Breazeale told News 11 Monday that the shelter is currently well over capacity.

As of Monday morning, 331 asylum seekers have been counted inside the building, but their capacity is only 200.

According to The Salvation Army, within the last six weeks, more than 2,700 migrants have been provided food, shelter, and clothing from their volunteers.

Organizations like the American Red Cross, the Yuma County Food Bank, and local churches are assisting The Salvation Army with resources.

News 11 spoke to a few locals, who said they are at odds about the Yuma community having to step up and provide resources for migrants during this crisis.

Hope is a Yuma resident who believes, “God made [the asylum seekers] so we shouldn’t let them suffer. But then again, I’ve found from my experience as well, I’ve not gotten benefits that I’ve needed. Like food stamps and extra money, I can’t get it, and I see [migrants] getting all kinds of stuff.”

Dick Riley, who is a snowbird from Montana, agrees with Hope, adding, “I’m kind of caught between. These people are being treated badly at home…but we can’t take [care] of them all.”

Captain Breazeale has informed Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls that he will not be able to take in any more asylum seekers until the shelter is under the 200-migrant capacity.

That means migrants who are released from Border Patrol custody are left to fend for themselves.