EL PASO, Texas – Officials with the City of El Paso say they’re preparing for a possible migrant surge due to policy changes with the new Biden administration.

According to a statement, the city is coordinating with nonprofit organizations, community groups, and federal immigration enforcement agencies in anticipation of a potential surge.

“In previous years, when addressing these types of humanitarian events, the City of El Paso has assisted with transportation, temporary housing, and safety and security support, as outlined by state and federal guidelines,” the statement reads. 

The city says the preparations are necessary, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic would bring additional complications to responding to a migrant surge.

As of Thursday morning, El Paso reported 18 new deaths due to COVID-19, bringing its total to 1,624. There are currently an estimated 34,943 active COVID-19 cases in the region.

On his first day in office, President Joe Biden issued multiple Executive Actions, including pulling funding for construction of the border wall.

Prior to the inauguration, President Biden also announced an immigration plan that would grant amnesty for people living in the U.S. illegally.

It would create an eight-year pathway to citizenship and it’s already being opposed by Republican lawmakers and conservative groups.