Sinema tours IRC, discusses work reducing migrant numbers

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Through a press release, Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema spoke with regional stakeholders at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Phoenix.

For one thing, Sinema talked about the successful collaboration that helped reduce the number of migrants dropped off at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Earlier this year, Sinema held a roundtable with federal and non-federal agencies to discuss the challenges in dealing with the border crisis.

It was during the meeting that Sinema learned of people dropping migrants at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Due to the vast number of migrants, over 400 to be exact, this caused a strain on airport operations.

“Thanks to our collaboration, we’ve seen a reduction of migrant drop offs at Phoenix Sky Harbor. I’m grateful to the IRC, Phoenix Sky Harbor, and the Regional Center for Border Health for their extraordinary work, and I’ll keep pressing the Administration to do more to secure our border and ensure migrants are treated fairly and humanely,” said Sinema.

Coordination improves between federal and non-federal agencies

As a result of the roundtable, coordination had improved between Border Patrol and ICE officials and other agencies.

Currently, there are now 175-200 migrants arriving at Sky Harbor each day, a more manageable number to handle.

The Regional Center for Border Health and the IRC are now working together to ensure migrants are prepared to travel.

Also, all agencies are providing shelter and alternate transportation for unprepared migrants.