U.S Rep. Raul Grijalva said the federal government must support agencies who serve migrant asylum seekers released in the Yuma area.
Congressman Grijalva was in Somerton for a second day on Thursday morning where he met with elected officials, law enforcement and representatives of non-governmental organizations who are assisting migrants released in the community.
Grijalva has been vocal in his opposition to what he says is a “manufactured crisis” by President Trump on immigration and border security.
“There’s an effect on this community," Grijalva told KAWC. "There’s a need for supplemental support. The federal government created this crisis and has a responsibility if they are not going to deal with it differently other than dropping people off. There has to be some support to the non-governmental organizations like Catholic Community Services, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.”
Grijalva visited a migrant shelter in the Yuma area on Wednesday. He said the migrants he saw were treated humanely and professionally. He praised volunteers who help migrants arrange transportation to their sponsors.
Officials have not released the location of the shelter due to safety concerns.
Among those in attendance at Thursday's meeting at Somerton City Hall were Somerton Mayor Jerry Anaya, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls, the police chiefs of Yuma, Somerton and San Luis and representatives from Catholic Community Services and the American Red Cross.
