According to internal documents obtained from NBC News, the Department of Homeland Security plans to transport migrants from the U.S. along the southern border into the interior of the nation, starting with Los Angeles in coming weeks.
The plan would reduce overcrowding at the border, where record numbers of border crossers have outstripped the capacity of shelters in certain cities. At times, Customs and Border Protection has had to release migrants to the streets to make their own decisions.
After being released from CBP custody, most migrants are allowed to remain in the country and file asylum claims. They are then released to shelters managed by religious or non-governmental organizations. The migrants then pay for travel and bus transportation to cities, where they will be able to present their asylum claims to immigration judges.
Federal funds would be used to send migrants to shelters further inside the country. They will be sent to cities like Dallas, Houston, and Albuquerque. DHS has been in touch with the shelters in these cities to prepare for the movement of migrants. The Southwest Border Coordination Center of DHS, which includes officials from FEMA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, coordinates the effort.
DHS officials joked about the model internally, calling it the “Abbott Plan” (referring to Texas Governor). Greg Abbott’s decision in Texas to transport migrants to Washington, D.C., was made to address the current migrant crisis.
Many migrants accepted the 30-hour free ride to Washington to reach their final destination on the East Coast. The official stated that DHS was following Abbott’s lead and is paying for flights and buses to help alleviate overcrowding.
A spokesperson for DHS did not respond to our request for comment.
