2/21/20

By Josh Rubin

Here are two things about the situation in Matamoros that are not widely discussed.

First, there are far more asylum seekers in Matamoros that are NOT at the encampment than there are in the encampment. We believe there are better than 5,000 people who have found other places to stay, including shelters and rented or borrowed spaces. We do not know about the well-being of these others who may be spending what little money they have to pay for their apartments and rooms. Some of them have found work.

Second, the INM, the Mexican agency that is the equivalent of our DHS, has taken control of the tent distribution in the encampment, and is keeping track of those living in the encampment by numbering the tents as they are dispensed. And—this is important—there is a plan for the phase out of the encampment. Those who have been denied asylum in a final hearing are given 45 days to appeal that decision. Failing that, denied asylum seekers will be required to leave the encampment.

Combine this information with the discovery of deportation flights sending asylum seekers to Central American countries and we have a rough sketch of what is to come. If class action lawsuits against HARP, PACR, and ACA fail, the action will all be at holding facilities like Donna, and ICE detention facilities, and at the airports from and to which migrants seeking relief will be sent.

We are Witnesses and we are watching.