2,000 Asylum Seekers Dropped Off in San Diego County Amid Concerns Over Resource Strain
In a move that has sparked both humanitarian support and local concern, more than 2,000 asylum seekers were dropped off in San Diego County last week, according to a representative for the county's District 5. The immigrants, who are seeking refuge in the United States, were left at various transportation hubs, including the Iris Transit Center, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection reportedly dropped off at least 292 people on a single Sunday morning.
Migrant Mohamed Sweilem, originally from Mauritania in northwest Africa, expressed his relief and gratitude. “I have come to the land of safety and freedom,” he said through a translation app. Sweilem, who was coming from an immigration detention center, added, “I was oppressed in my country.”
Local migrant shelters are reportedly at full capacity, and organizations like the Immigrant Defenders Law Center are stepping in to provide assistance. Lindsay Toczylowski, the center's director and a notable immigration attorney, said, “These are refugees. These are people who are coming to seek refuge in the United States, and the countries that they are from reflect many of the conflicts going on around the world.” Her organization offers food, drinks, phone chargers, legal counsel, and more to the arriving immigrants.
However, the influx has also raised concerns among local officials. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond criticized the Biden Administration for the situation, stating, “The Biden Admin is rolling out the red carpet for this chaos, showing zero concern for our region’s resources.” He accused state and local politicians of offering legal protection and taxpayer-funded benefits, thereby encouraging continued migration.
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells also expressed frustration, saying, “This is a disaster. Every emergency room is at capacity in SD County. Our homeless shelters are full. Resources are stretched thin.”
The situation highlights the tension between the immediate humanitarian needs of the asylum seekers and the longer-term impact on local resources. As local shelters reach capacity and officials voice concerns about the strain on healthcare and other services, the debate over how to manage the situation continues to intensify.
