San Antonio's Migrant Resource Center (MRC), a sanctuary for over 640,000 asylum seekers since January 2021, is slated for closure, Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced yesterday. The center aided countless individuals transitioning through the city towards their final destinations or asylum court hearings, as reflected in a statement on the city's official website.
The Mayor highlighted the collective efforts taken by the community and local organizations such as Catholic Charities, the San Antonio Food Bank, the Interfaith Welcome Coalition, first responders, and city employees who, "addressed the influx of migrants with diligence and compassion." This response was despite what Mayor Nirenberg described as "decades of neglect at the federal level," according to the city's statement.
Mayor Nirenberg's closure announcement stems from the significant decline in migrants requiring assistance at the MRC. The Mayor cited that "circumstances surrounding both asylum claims and border entries have yielded a drastic reduction in the number of asylum seekers," which has led to the decision to phase out the center. The city is anticipating federal reimbursement for over $12 million to cover the expenses incurred during the MRC's operation.
The Mayor reassured that despite the closure, San Antonio's resolve to maintain compassion for migrants remains steadfast. He said, "San Antonio remains a compassionate community which will continue to work with our partner agencies to meet any additional migrant arrivals with care," pointing out the city's commitment to public safety, maintaining order, and humane treatment. In the meantime, the community together with its partners will adapt to changing needs as the city phases out the MRC operations, as per the city's announcement.
