The Reality At The Border: Inside A New Migrant Tent Facility
By REYNALDO LEAÑOS JR.
KSTX Texas Public Radio
MAY 2, 2019
https://www.tpr.org/post/reality-border-inside-new-migrant-tent-facility
DHS recently announced the agency will expand its border detention facilities in Texas with the opening of two new tent-like structures, which were completed this week.
Media gathered inside the 40,000 square foot facility, which is nearly the size of a football field, in Donna for a press briefing and tour.
Executive Officer Carmen Qualia of Border Patrol led the tour.
“What you are in right now is what we refer to as a pod -- one of four detention pods -- and the pods are approximately 8,000 square feet,” said Qualia. […]
The pod had high ceilings with tarp-like walls and was nearly empty. Stacks of thin-black plastic mattresses were pushed up against one wall.
The facility is meant to hold 500 people but could hold even more if necessary. Qualia said the facility was needed.
“I hope it’s enough. I hope it’s enough,” she said. “We would like the flow to slow down and stop all together.” […]
The structure was one of two new tent structures built to detain migrants when they are apprehended at the border or turn themselves in to border officials. The other facility is in El Paso. […]
The agency said migrants detained in these facilities will be released under 72 hours either to Immigration and Customs Enforcement or, if they are unaccompanied minors, to Health and Human Services for placement in a shelter or with sponsors.
CBP said they don’t provide legal services to migrants at the temporary holding facility because the facility is not meant for long-term detention.
The first migrants were expected to arrive on Friday [5/3/19].