Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Border & Immigration

Mexico To Open Shelter For Migrants Returned From US

People in walk towards the U.S. border in Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, March 19, 2019.
Associated Press
People in walk towards the U.S. border in Tijuana, Mexico, Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Mexican officials say they are set to open a huge shelter in the border city of Tijuana to hold thousands of migrants being returned to await hearings on their U.S. asylum requests.

Mexico has accepted over 20,000 Central Americans under the plan known as "migrant protection protocol" or "Remain in Mexico."

RELATED: Judge Won't Block US Asylum Restrictions At Southern Border

Advertisement

But Mexico has struggled with how to house them as they wait, in many cases for months, to attend U.S. hearings.

The federal liaison for Baja California state says the new shelter can hold as many as 4,000 people. Alejandro Ruiz said the site is set to open next week. It was formerly a complex of small shops, and now will provide basic services, meals and temporary housing.

A big decision awaits some voters this April as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.