febrero 17, 2025

Shelters Face New Challenges Amid Migration Policies

Shelters Face New Challenges Amid Migration Policies Refugios enfrentan nuevos desafíos ante las políticas migratorias

ORGANIZED | Migrants manage the kitchen, cleaning, and maintenance at Respettrans. (Photos/Morgan Smith)

LET US NOT FAIL IN OUR WILL TO HELP THEM

By Morgan Smith

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

The migrant shelter Respettrans, in Ciudad Juárez, relies on solidarity to survive. Founded in 2018 by Grecia Herrera, it began as a refuge for transgender migrants, but since 2021, it has been receiving families and single individuals. Herrera, who works full-time as a nurse, delegates the shelter’s daily management to the migrants themselves, who organize the kitchen, cleaning, and maintenance. When more children were present, the mothers set up a small school to teach English and understand the U.S. map.

Without support from the Mexican government or a formal fundraising mechanism, Respettrans survives thanks to the non-profit organization Dignity Mission, based in New Mexico. Founded in 2019 by Jack and Cheryl Ferrell, it collects three tons of supplies per month for border shelters. Since its inception, it has delivered 201,000 pounds of goods and 47,341 dignity kits containing essential hygiene items. The distribution of these products is made possible thanks to Eva Moya, a professor at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Professor Moya receives donations in her garage, and volunteers transport them by car across the border into Mexico to deliver them to Respettrans. This binational cooperation model involves dozens of people in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. However, the migratory reality is changing rapidly. Many shelters have closed or reduced their capacity. One of these, Annunciation House in El Paso, is facing a lawsuit from the Texas Attorney General.

Shelters Face New Challenges Amid Migration Policies Refugios enfrentan nuevos desafíos ante las políticas migratorias

HUMANITARIAN AID | Jack Ferrell with collected supplies.

Shelters Face New Challenges Amid Migration Policies Refugios enfrentan nuevos desafíos ante las políticas migratorias

SHELTER IN JUÁREZ | Migrant shelter Respettrans.

New Wave of Stranded Migrants

The reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program could generate a new wave of stranded migrants at the border. Border shelters provide dignified living conditions for people who have traveled thousands of miles seeking refuge. These migrants are not attempting to enter illegally; they are exercising their legal right to seek asylum. Now, with stricter restrictions, the big question is what will happen to them.

Pastor Francisco González, representative of the shelter network “Somos Uno por Juárez,” indicates that shelter occupancy has increased up to 45%, with 469 migrants housed in their 12 centers. “Many have decided to stay, hoping that restrictions will ease. But without more support, the shelters will not be able to sustain themselves,” he warns. The lack of resources and the growing number of deportations are putting shelters in a critical situation, increasing pressure on those working to help migrants.

If the demand for shelters continues to grow, it will be essential to support spaces like Respettrans and “Somos Uno por Juárez,” as well as leaders like Herrera and González. A binational working group is urgently needed to monitor and support these shelters. Voices like those of Herrera, González, Rubén García from Annunciation House, and activists in Deming and Palomas must be heard. They are the real experts on the matter. Let us not fail in our will to help.


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