SAN ANTONIO – Over 100 undocumented immigrants were dropped off at Catholic Charities Saturday night after detention facilities along the border reached capacity.
- Unexpected surge
- Expecting more groups
- Asking for clothing donations
According to the Department of Communication-Archdiocese of San Antonio, the charity sites have been receiving people throughout the week but Saturday night produced an unexpected surge.
Catholic Charities says many of these people are staying in the city temporarily as they arrange trips to make it to their final destination elsewhere.
Catholic Charities CEO Antonio Fernandez said that most of the people are just passing through but need help to move on.
"They're good. Speaking to my employees there, the people come in with good health, so we haven't seen issues with health, and they're happy they are finally going to see their families," Fernandez said. "Some of them have been traveling for weeks or months to finally make it to the U.S."
The migrants were transported by bus from border towns because of the crowded detention facilities.
"What we do is take them at night to the shelter or hotels, and in the morning we take them back to the bus station or the airport," Fernandez said.
As many as 1,000 migrants were assisted in the last week.
"These people have gone through a traumatic experience to get here. So they have the notifications to go to a judge and we always, always strongly recommend to them to follow the right path so you can stay in the U.S. legally," Fernandez said.
While some may stay in San Antonio, most will move on. The journey will be difficult.
"You're not talking about a trip that's going to take two or three hours, you're talking about a trip that's going to take three days. For someone with basic human needs like some food, some money - so we right now push hard in providing tickets, airfare so they can get to their final destination, the sooner the better," Fernandez said.
The nonprofit is asking for monetary donations online to help the people coming in. Clothes, toys and hygiene products can be dropped off starting Monday at their location at 202 W. French Place.
Check back for further information.