With temperatures gradually rising due to a change in seasons, and incoming winter storms, migrants are struggling more than ever in states such as Texas. Some migrants who crossed the United States-Mexico border but have not reported themselves to border agents or authorities are having a hard time finding shelter as frigid temperatures from a coast-to-coast winter storm reach El Paso, Texas. In fact, a state of emergency has been proclaimed in El Paso due to the thousands of migrants living in dangerous circumstances, while the Trump administration’s Title 42 border policy that keeps migrants out of the United States is still in flux due to ongoing legal processes.
Nevertheless, the city is making every effort to assist those struggling by establishing government-run shelters at major hotels, conference centers, and a number of abandoned schools throughout El Paso. However, they are unable to admit immigrants who lack Customs and Border Protection paperwork so migrants who have not reported themselves are still in trouble. If undocumented migrants show up to these government run facilities, due to state and federal policies, they will have to be reported and connected with Customs and Border Protection to start the process of turning themselves in.
The reason that so many migrants refuse to turn themselves into border authorities in exchange for shelter and assistance is due to the fear of being denied legal services and getting deported back to their home countries. For example, three men who refuse to identify themselves came out and spoke up about being denied legal entry several times, therefore being stuck with nowhere to go.
