A quiet crisis is unfolding in Tijuana’s bustling border corridor. Casa del Migrante, the city’s oldest migrant shelter, is on the brink of shutting its doors by the end of April. The threat comes after a 40-percent cut in funding and a sharp decline in donations from the United States.
The Shelter’s Role in the Community
Casa del Migrante has long been a lifeline for people fleeing violence in Mexico’s interior. Director Lorenzo Chaidez, who has overseen the facility for several years, describes it as “one of the largest in the city.” The shelter’s mission is simple: provide a safe place for those who have nowhere else to go. In recent weeks, Chaidez has been urging the Tijuana public for support, but the city’s residents have been reluctant to open their wallets.
Funding Cuts and the Loss of Key Donors
According to Chaidez, the shelter’s budget has been slashed by 40 percent. “All areas, where we used to get support from organizations, has diminished drastically,” he said. “At the same time, our expenses have gone up.” The majority of Casa del Migrante’s financial backing has come from U.S. organizations and private contributors. However, many of these donors have stopped sending money because their own funding sources have dried up.
USAID was once a major contributor. Chaidez explained, “USAID was a big contributor, but they have gone away.” The United States Agency for International Development had been the world’s largest foreign aid provider, but the Trump administration all but eliminated the agency earlier this year. Other donors fear retribution for helping migrants and have halted their support.
The Holiday Season Adds Pressure
The shelter’s situation worsens during the holidays. “This being the Christmas season, you’d think people would open up their hearts, but it’s not always that way,” he said. As of Wednesday, Casa del Migrante had 60 to 80 residents. Chaidez emphasized that these individuals “don’t have anywhere to go this holiday season.” The holidays intensify the need for warmth, food, and a sense of community.
Who Lives at Casa del Migrante
Most of the shelter’s occupants are not deportees from the United States. Instead, they are migrants from Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Guerrero-states plagued by violence. Chaidez noted that these people “continue to flee violence in their hometowns.” They arrive in Tijuana seeking safety, but find themselves trapped in a shelter that is itself on the verge of collapse.
Community Response and Public Outreach
In an attempt to rally local support, Chaidez has reached out to Tijuana residents. Despite his efforts, the public has shown little enthusiasm. “We want to provide folks with a little more during this time of the year, but we’re strained as it is,” he said. The shelter’s appeal to the community has been met with indifference, underscoring the difficulty of sustaining humanitarian aid in a city with limited resources.
The Implications of Closure
If Casa del Migrante closes, the 60-80 residents will be left without a place to stay. Chaidez warns that the shelter’s shutdown would leave a gap in the city’s safety net for migrants fleeing violence. The loss could also set a precedent for other shelters facing similar funding challenges.
Potential Paths Forward
While the current outlook is grim, Chaidez remains hopeful. He is exploring alternative funding sources, including local businesses and smaller nonprofits. However, without a significant influx of donations, the shelter’s future remains uncertain.
Key Takeaways
- Casa del Migrante faces closure by the end of April after a 40-percent funding cut.
- Donations from the U.S., especially from USAID, have ceased.
- The shelter houses 60-80 residents, mainly migrants from Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Guerrero.
- The holiday season heightens the shelter’s need for support.
- Local community response has been lukewarm, leaving the shelter’s future in doubt.
The situation at Casa del Migrante highlights the fragile nature of humanitarian aid in border regions. As funding dwindles and donors withdraw, the shelter’s ability to provide refuge for vulnerable migrants hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will determine whether the community can rally to keep this vital lifeline open.
