After the Harbor Police enforced a 10 a.m. deadline for clearing out encampments at Cesar Chavez Park in Barrio Logan, many homeless migrants are left struggling to find their next stop. Despite the lack of citations or arrests, the park, which had served as a temporary refuge for many, is now empty. The migrants, who had made the park their home, now face uncertainty and fear about what lies ahead.
ABC 10News reporter Tali Letoi spoke with Beto, a migrant from Mexico City, who was deeply affected by the park’s closure. Beto, who relies on a wheelchair, had to pack up his belongings and move, but quickly realized that finding a new place was far more challenging than expected. With three carts full of his possessions and his dog by his side, Beto found himself with limited options. “I can’t take any of my things into the trolley. I can’t take— you know, the plus one, my dog,” he explained, highlighting the difficulty of his situation. He only managed to move a short distance from the park, as traveling further with all his belongings proved nearly impossible.
For Beto and others, the park was more than just a place to sleep; it was a community where they felt safe and supported. “We had a great commune. We had no worries with anybody stealing within each other,” Beto shared, reflecting on the sense of solidarity among the park’s residents. He would even prepare food for others who went to work during the day, reinforcing the communal bonds that had formed. Now, without the security of the park, Beto fears for his safety and that of his dog. “It’s like the Wild West. Your hands up and on edge with everybody and everything,” he said, describing the uncertainty and danger of being without a stable place to stay.
Beto is not alone in his struggles. Many families and individuals who had relied on the park as a place to rest are now facing similar challenges. “It’s hard to see so many families—so many people that are really going through it. Coming back from work, and they don’t have anywhere to rest,” Beto lamented. The sudden displacement has left them in a precarious situation, with few options available.
Local activists and organizations, such as the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC), are working tirelessly to assist the displaced migrants. Ian Seruelo, Chair of SDIRC, noted that many of the migrants have accumulated personal belongings, making it difficult for them to relocate without proper transportation. “Many of them accumulated some personal belongings. So it’s very hard for them to move to somewhere else since they have no transportation,” Seruelo explained. While some have managed to secure temporary stays in hotels or shelters, others are still uncertain about their future. “With these remaining migrants, we’re just trying to figure out what they want to do so we can help,” Seruelo added, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to provide support.