Residents oppose immigrant shelter

A group of rural Mexicali residents spoke in opposition to the opening of a shelter for immigrants in their community due to concerns to the potential increase in crime rates.

The residents told La Voz newspaper their concerns are not based in racism, but just in the fact they do not want people prowling in parks or streets of the vicinity.

Days ago, Mexican government delegate in Baja California Alejandro Ruiz announced the opening of two shelters, one of them at Ejido Michoacán de Ocampo in Mexicali Valley. This project has been set to begin construction in less than two weeks.

Residents gathered Sunday evening in the community’s park to discuss the controversial topic.

Resident María Elena Fonseca, who leads the town’s Potable Water Committee, first heard about the shelter from a congressman and decided to share the information with her neighbors.

No city or rural authorities attended Sunday’s meeting, she told the newspaper.

According to Fonseca, the unincorporated area is a very united community that even makes residents share any information about suspicious vehicles.

Fonseca said residents decided to sign a document that will be eventually delivered to the Assembly.

The committee’s president said residents are concerned for their security if the shelter opens, especially due to lack of street lighting.

Also, Fonseca said residents are worried as children visit the park after school.

Fonseca, a former nurse who was forced to seek other employment due to the lack of opportunities, criticized the Mexican government after officials announced that immigrants in the shelter will get jobs, something that has been long missing in the town.

She told the newspaper residents are not informed about the site where the shelter has been proposed to open.