Officials in San Diego, California, are sounding the alarm about a persistent surge in migrants straining city resources and could soon lead to financial strain without additional aid.
Over the past few years, California has seen a steady increase in illegal immigration numbers, with massive jumps from approximately 260,000 in fiscal year 2021 to 450,000 in fiscal year 2023, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. The current fiscal year has also witnessed a substantial influx, with over 253,200 migrants in a five-month period.
This surge in migrants includes individuals from various demographics, including Chinese, Haitian, and Indian migrants. Additionally, there has been a rise in migrant injuries at the southern border wall, leading to increased strain on local hospitals.
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells (Credits: NBC News)
In late March, CBP reported the arrest of a suspected Chinese national who illegally entered the 29 Palms Marine Base in California’s El Centro Sector. The continuous influx of migrants has prompted concerns among local officials about the strain on resources, particularly regarding housing and support services.
El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells highlighted the challenges faced by California, stating that the system could soon be overwhelmed due to the increasing numbers of migrants and homeless individuals. The situation has stretched resources thin, affecting services such as homeless shelters.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond echoed these concerns, noting that over 24,000 migrants have been released onto the streets of San Diego since late February and more than 120,000 in the last six months. He emphasized that this influx affects the entire country, as many migrants leave San Diego within 24 hours to other parts of the country.
Bill Wells (Credits: AP News)
The surge in migrants has prompted spending, such as the $6 million spent by San Diego County on a local migrant resource center.
However, officials like Desmond argue that such expenses should not fall on local taxpayers for a federal issue. They emphasize the need for the federal government to address the root causes of illegal immigration and enforce existing rules and processes.
The situation in San Diego reflects a growing concern about the strain on resources and the need for comprehensive federal action to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration.
