By Araceli Martínez Ortega | La Opinión
Most of the asylum seekers sent by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to Los Angeles have already been reunited with loved ones in the United States.
“There are none in shelters. Most have been reunited with family, friends or acquaintances who have taken them in. Ninety-eight% of the asylum seekers have someone who took them in in this country,” said Pastor Guillermo Torres, who is part of the LA Welcomes Collective, a network of pro-immigrant and faith-based organizations that work together in rapid response to the arrival of immigrants.
Since July 1, Texas Governor Greg Abbott began sending asylum seekers recently released from the custody of immigration authorities to Los Angeles.
In total, three trucks have arrived in Los Angeles with 114 asylum seekers. But this Tuesday, July 18, another truck was added with 35 adults and 6 minors, bringing the total to almost 150.
“Since they leave Texas, we have their information, we begin to help them and contact their families; and some of them we assist them with plane tickets to reach their destination,” said Pastor Torres.
He commented that the LA Welcomes Collective seeks to welcome them with dignity and humanity.
“Many of them come fleeing violence and have escaped death. So we welcome them with the compassion they deserve.”
On the latest truck that arrived Tuesday were asylum seekers from Brazil, China, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras.
“The help we have given them when they arrive includes: general medical checkups, food, drinks, hygiene items for women and babies, car seats for babies; and we help them coordinate transportation to their destination and reunification with their family,” said Jorge Mario Cabrera, spokesperson for the Coalition for Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA).
They also provide them with individual or general sessions with immigration attorneys, informational advice on enrolling their children in schools, and limited follow-up after they arrive at their destination.
“Grassroots organizations have independent budgets to pay for this rapid response to migrants arriving as asylum seekers. The public has been asked to support these extraordinary efforts with financial donations by visiting each organization’s website and clicking the donate button.”
The fourth truck left from the city of Brownsville and arrived at Los Angeles’ Union Station.
The first truck with 42 asylum seekers including 8 children arrived in Los Angeles on June 15; the second truck arrived on July 1, with 41 immigrants including 11 children; and the third truck on July 13 with 35 immigrants; the last brought 35 adults and 6 children.
The governor of Texas posted on Twitter when he sent the first truckload of immigrants to Los Angeles: “Texas just dropped off the first truckload of immigrants in Los Angeles. Small Texas border towns are overwhelmed and overcrowded because Biden refuses to secure the border.”
He has not commented further.
To Sacramento, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sent 36 asylum seekers in early June.
“Those who welcome our beloved brothers and sisters are now like a refuge, a place that reflects the spirit of hope and compassion, a welcoming embrace that inspires their dreams and lives to the fullest,” said Father Richard Estrada of the Church of the Epiphany and member of Clergy and Laity United for Justice Los Angeles (CLUE) in welcoming the third truckload of asylum seekers.
So far the organizations receiving the migrants have not given access to the press, arguing to protect their privacy and not expose their asylum cases.
This story was originally published in Spanish by La Opinión.
