Yuma mayor meets with President Trump to discuss immigration issues

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls met with President Donald Trump Tuesday and discussed immigration issues in the Yuma border region, immigration, and trade impacts.

During the meeting on Tuesday at the nation’s capital, Mayor Nicholls met with President Trump and Acting Secretary of Homeland Security, Kevin McAleenan, who spoke on the current struggles DHS is facing along the border.

Secretary McAleenan also mentioned the possibility of transportation options for the relocation of migrants to shelters currently in place throughout the state.

“He didn’t announce anything at that meeting but the secretary did mention that there are some transportation options that they’re trying to fund to bring more of the migrants to shelters that are available throughout the state and then today the President released a request for $4.5 million for humanitarian aid along the border. Those things were in the works, I believe that was part of the discussion. He wanted to hear firsthand,” Mayor Nicholls said.

Nicholls added the emergency declaration he signed has brought light towards issues Yuma is facing with the increase of migrant releases in the community. He also hopes solutions are being brought to the table.

“Yes, I believe we’re going to see some things soon. I can’t begin to guess how soon. It is still part of the federal government. The ultimate solutions are going to be congressional, so those will take time, but in the short term I am expecting some relief,” Nicholls said.

The Yuma mayor also met with several Arizona lawmakers, along with the Departments of Transportation and Defense during his time at the nation’s capital.