TUCSON (KVOA) – How and where people who illegally cross the border are to be processed and accommodated is still an important concern of the German government.
The effects are being felt in southern Arizona.
As early as April 7, the Digging Deeper team reported for the first time that the city of Tucson and Pima County knew that a potential detention center for migrants was planned in southern Arizona.
Just a few days later, Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a so-called soft-sided facility was being built east of Tucson International Airport.
We wanted details, including the cost.
With tens of thousands of people continuing to flock through Arizona across the U.S.-Mexico border, the new facility, which can accommodate 500 people, is set to help tackle the recent surge.
However, Tucson’s soft-sided facility will only accept 150-200 people when it is operational due to COVID-19 precautions.
So what about the operating costs?
The Digging Deeper team has signed a contract between CBP and a New York company, Deployed Resources, LLC. The total order value is more than 105 million US dollars.
“It’s just crazy when the federal government is considering spending over $ 100 million on tenting migrants for a year during the summer heat,” said Steve Kozachik, a member of Ward 6 Tucson City Council.
Kozachik said several Tucson nonprofits have been working around the clock to help asylum seekers, including trying to connect migrants with families and sponsors, and accommodate others at local hotels.
“This is just insane,” said Kozachik. “We can do the services in a humane way, not by putting people in tents.” We can do it for a lot less money. “
Customs and Border Protection are planning an open day for the media and elected officials before the shelter opens in the next few weeks.
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