SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Monday acknowledged the Las Cruces City Council approval of $75,000 for humanitarian aid to assist asylum-seeking persons in its community as a positive development amid challenging circumstances.

“This is a necessary step in staying on top of what will likely be a protracted influx of people from Customs and Border Protection,” said DHSEM Secretary Jackie White. “Critical coordination between Las Cruces, Dona Ana County and the state continues to serve as a foundation for a productive response at the local level. My agency is here on the ground to support local jurisdictions in whatever capacity they need.”

The additional money will enable the city to continue its care of the daily stream of asylum seekers being dropped off by federal agents in Las Cruces and ensure their smooth and timely relocation to sponsors throughout the United States.

The state administration commended Las Cruces elected officials for their comments regarding positive collaboration with the state and a willingness to work together to mitigate the humanitarian concerns at the border to the greatest extent possible.

State operations team members from the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management have been in place at the Las Cruces Operations Center since Thursday. These coordination experts are working with city and county officials to satisfy transportation, translation, and medical support needs. Their involvement will continue for as long as they are needed by both Las Cruces and Dona Ana County.

The Governor’s Office is receiving continual updates from the Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Emergency Operations Center through Secretary White and lead operations personnel there. Federal officials have advised NMDHSEM and city and county officials that the arrival of asylum-seekers is likely to continue for the next several weeks.

In addition, the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps late last week amplified its call for additional volunteer health care providers in the southern part of the state to assist in medical screening support

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