The federal government is converting another convention center into a shelter for illegal immigrants amid a border surge that has shown no sign of slowing down.
Health Secretary Xavier Becerra requested help from the city of San Diego to house some of the unaccompanied minors who have been crossing into the United States from Mexico, Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher, both Democrats, said in a joint statement.
The officials agreed over the weekend to open the San Diego Convention Center to the federal government for use as a temporary shelter.
“The city and county will support this federally funded effort by providing vital services to these vulnerable children who came to our country seeking safety,” Gloria and Fletcher said. “We are working closely with our federal partners to finalize the details for preparing to receive these young people and provide them with care, compassion, and a safe space to transition while they are reunited with families or sponsors.”
No information was given as to how many children would be held, when they would start arriving, and which part of the border they would be coming from.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) didn’t immediately respond to a request for more information.
City officials said the site can be used for as long as three months, with each minor staying there around 30 days. The children will be as old as age 17.
Minors will be provided with food, medical care, a place to sleep and showers, officials said in a statement to news outlets, adding: “A safe and secure recreation area will also be created on the exterior of the facility. The children are not permitted to leave the convention center until reunification occurs.”