Local leaders respond to the possibility of using Camp Roberts to house migrant children
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The use of Camp Roberts in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties to house unaccompanied migrant children attempting to come into the United States has sparked debate among local leaders.
Monterey County Supervisors were notified that a total of 5,000 children could be housed at Camp Roberts. However, the big question is whether the county is prepared to house these children. Nearly 19,000 unaccompanied children are in U.S custody along the southern border. This is why there has not been enough space. Children are having to stay in U.S border patrol facilities for longer periods than what is legally allowed.
"I expect that these children will be quickly reunited with their family members in a safe manner,” said Assemblymember Robert Rivas. “But certainly, we have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that transition is done as humanely as possible."
Central Coast Congressman Jimmy Panetta released a statement earlier this month saying if approved by HHS, the necessary oversight for such temporary housing will be provided. But former Monterey County Republican Party Chair Jeff Gorman said it should be kept as a border control issue, and not make a domestic issue.
"To bring that problem into the central coast where we were having trouble problems taking care of our own kids,” said Gorman. “We got minimal schooling. We have been adequate supplies. We have kids that don't have internet. And we're going to be bringing that problem right here to the central coast. I just think that it's too little too late."
The county does not have the resources to support and host these migrant children, he said. He believes this is a problem that should remain on the border.
“The reality is a 500-mile journey is not an insignificant journey for an unaccompanied minor, in a strange land that doesn't speak the same language. That seems like an exacerbation of a strain instead of handling things where the national powers and the state powers can cooperate, which is the border region,” said Gorman.
The last time we contacted HHS about how they would provide the necessary resources at the center, they said services are provided by various contractors including federal agencies and local organizations, such as charities.
On the other hand, Assemblymember Robert Rivas said it's important for actions to be taken at a local level to make sure these children are safe and protected while they're in U.S custody.
"Here in the United States of America, we are a country of immigrants, we are a country that has always shown compassion for our neighbors and for others. And so certainly, this is a time to accommodate these children that have no place else to go," said Rivas.
Monterey County Supervisors recently sent a resolution to the federal government requesting that children receive legal representation since without it more than 80% of children could be deported.
