The recent closure of major migrant shelters in San Diego reflects the profound impact of immigration policy changes implemented during the Trump administration.
Key Insights
- A large migrant shelter in San Diego closed due to a decline in asylum seekers, aligning with shifts in federal immigration policy.
- The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley will cease functioning as a migrant shelter, returning to its original purpose.
- Jewish Family Service of San Diego laid off workers and closed its center due to changes in federal funding and policy.
- A noticeable decline in migrant encounters has been reported, with a 95% decrease year-over-year.
Impact of Shelter Closures
San Diego has witnessed a significant closure of a large migrant shelter operated by Catholic Charities. This move follows a considerable decrease in asylum seekers since the implementation of policy changes during President Trump’s administration. For years, the shelter played a crucial role in housing asylum seekers and illegals; however, the reduction in migrant arrivals has now led to its shutdown.
Additionally, the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley, previously repurposed as a migrant shelter, will return to its original status as a hotel. The Jewish Family Service of San Diego has also closed its center and laid off approximately 115 employees. These changes are directly attributed to the altered landscape of federal funding and immigration policy.
San Diego migrant shelter shuts down and lays off 115 employees after receiving ZERO new illegals since President Trump took office. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hfGXwk4Mo4
— Jake H (@jake22_h) April 2, 2025
Federal Policy Shifts
The closure of the shelter forms part of a broader pattern observed across various U.S. cities. The discontinuation of the CBP One app, which previously allowed migrants to make appointments at ports of entry, further highlights the effects of these federal policy shifts. As reported, this app facilitated numerous migrants in gaining parole into the U.S.
U.S. Border Patrol highlights a 95% decline in migrant encounters year-over-year, underscoring the significant shift in migration patterns. Shelter services operated by the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) have paused, linking back to these federal policies and funding changes.
National Repercussions
Beyond San Diego, similar repercussions of immigration policy changes are visible in cities like New York and Denver, where migrant shelters have scaled back operations or closed completely. A reduction in migrant care numbers is evident, with fewer than 45,000 individuals currently under New York City’s care, according to reports.
The Jewish Family Service of San Diego is pivoting toward offering pro bono legal services and community support resources, showcasing a strategic shift necessary to meet community needs amid ongoing policy developments.
Sources:
- San Diego migrant shelter closes doors with numbers plummeting after Trump immigration crackdown: report
- San Diego migrant shelters close as asylum seeker numbers plummet
- Calif: With Fewer Asylum Seekers, San Diego Shutters Migrant Shelters
