The federal government will begin to accommodate some migrant families in hotels, according to several reports.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials Axios confirmed The Biden government is awarding a $ 86 million contract for hotel rooms for around 1,200 immigrant family members crossing the southern border.
Axios reported that the contract was signed with Texas-based nonprofits and is expected to last six months but could be renewed. The hotels will be located near the border areas that include Arizona and Texas.
Two people who are familiar with the plans said Reuters that families arrive at what are known as “family reception locations” to continue with immigration papers and leave as early as six hours after their arrival when their papers are cleared and transportation is arranged.
The sites are slated to open in April and will offer COVID-19 testing, medical care, catering services, social workers and clerks to help with travel and onward destinations, according to the news service. The staff is trained to work with children.
In cooperation with other non-profit organizations, according to Reuters, up to 1,400 beds will initially be provided in seven different branded hotels.
The Hill approached DHS, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Endeavor for a comment.
The reports signal President BidenJoe BidenTensions between Russia and China increase with the White House After a strong start, new challenges arise for Biden Feinstein opens the door to support the filibuster reform MOREMoving away from the detention of migrants in private prisons.
Biden end of January signed an executive order instructing the Justice Department not to renew its contracts with private penal institutions. The order was limited to the DOJ, which meant DHS and ICE could continue to use the centers
The Biden government has dealt with an influx of migrants on the southern border. Axios found that the number of migrant families trapped at the border rose from 7,000 to nearly 19,000 between January and February.
