Chula Vista joins Welcoming America Network, opts out of 'Welcoming City' recertification
The Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers (BCJB) shares a summary of the main news on the border for January 18, 2024.
Chula Vista shifts focus, enters welcoming America Network over full 'Welcoming City' status
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Chula Vista City Council recently decided against seeking recertification as a "Welcoming City" for immigrants and refugees by Welcoming America, opting to join the organization's membership network instead. This decision, influenced by staffing challenges and the desire to focus on city diversity and inclusion programs, is a less resource-intensive alternative to complete certification.
Chula Vista was initially certified as a Welcoming City in 2019 but let the designation lapse in 2022. The lapse, which came without public notice, was criticized by residents for overlooking community efforts to obtain the certification. The city had previously faced scrutiny over sharing data with federal immigration agencies, an issue resolved by stopping the data sharing and adopting a privacy policy in 2022.
Recertification would have involved a costly and time-consuming audit process. The council members preferred using funds to strengthen city programming and possibly appoint staff for immigration affairs, with a future consideration for recertification.
The network that Chula Vista has joined includes other entities on the U.S.-Mexico border, such as San Diego County, YMCA of San Diego, Pima County Library in Arizona, and Team Brownsville in Brownsville, Texas. These members have access to training, webinars, and discounts for conferences focused on immigrant inclusion practices without needing an auditing process.
Texas National Guard begins arresting migrants along US-Mexico border
According to Scripps News, Texas Department of Public Safety's Chris Olivarez shared on social media that Texas troopers are arresting migrants for criminal trespass in Shelby Park, targeting both single adult men and women. These arrests are happening on private land, with the landowner's consent for state intervention.
The ongoing conflict over state versus federal jurisdiction in border security is currently focused on Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas. Texas National Guard members have occupied the area, defying Biden administration orders to permit U.S. Border Patrol agents' entry.
This development follows a directive from the Biden administration demanding Texas officials cease blocking Border Patrol access to a 2.5-mile land stretch, including near Shelby Park, where a woman and two children recently drowned while attempting to cross the Rio Grande. The federal government has ordered a halt to these actions and sought a Supreme Court ruling.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has responded defiantly, vowing to continue disregarding federal orders, claiming state constitutional rights of self-defense. The state has erected a fence, and National Guard members are preventing Border Patrol agents from accessing the area.