San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg acknowledges the city’s shift in serving the needs of migrants, with plans to close the Airport Transfer Center (ATC) due to decreased migrant numbers while securing renewed funding for the Migrant Resource Center (MRC).
While the closure of the ATC is not funding-related but rather based on reduced migrant flows, the city anticipates receiving less funding than in previous years for the MRC. Nirenberg emphasizes the MRC’s role in maintaining order, ensuring public safety, and treating individuals with dignity amid changing circumstances.
With the recent allocation of $17.8 million from FEMA’s Shelter and Service Program (SSP) to organizations in San Antonio for migrant care, including $10 million to Catholic Charities and $3 million to the City of San Antonio pending application approval, Nirenberg indicates that current funding levels are deemed adequate for the MRC’s operations.
While the duration of funding at current levels remains unspecified, District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte expresses concerns about the MRC’s future, questioning its necessity and potential risks to citizens. He advocates for reallocating city resources to prioritize essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and homelessness initiatives.
As federal funding for migrant care declines, Whyte raises apprehensions about the city assuming financial responsibility for the MRC, emphasizing the need to prioritize core municipal services over operating the center.
The contrasting perspectives between Nirenberg and Whyte underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the MRC’s role and funding, reflecting broader discussions on migrant care and resource allocation in San Antonio.