City Council votes to accept $21 million in federal funding to continue servicing migrants passing through SA

SAN ANTONIO — On Thursday, San Antonio City Council accepted nearly $21.8 million to continue assisting migrants traveling through San Antonio. The city had asked for $58.5 million.

While the item on the city council agenda passed overwhelmingly, it was not without some debate and pushback from one councilmember.

“If we don’t accept the funds, then we do put that on our local, taxpayers,” said District 4 Councilwoman Adrianna Rocha-Garcia.

Rocha-Garcia expressed the sentiment of most councilmembers during Thursday morning’s city council meeting.

“This is really simple. If we don’t vote yes on this today, then that federal money isn’t used to compensate us for the costs that we’ve already paid,” said District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez.

The funds are distributed through FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program to assist migrants traveling through San Antonio, including funding the Migrant Resource Center.

“I believe that by supporting this item, we are promoting a failure of our federal government,” said District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte.

Whyte was the only member to vote against the item, calling on the Federal Government to pass comprehensive immigration reform, something councilman John Courage agreed with.

“I think it’s up to us to continue to operate the MRC until such time as a better management operation is put forward by the U.S. government,” said Councilman Courage.

Councilman Whyte says constituents from other districts have called on him to push the conversation on whether having the MRC is a good idea.

“I also want to make the point that maybe you’re receiving the calls that you’re receiving from throughout the city, from people who believe that you’re susceptible to the kind of messages that they’re susceptible to, and that is anti-immigrant sentiment.” said District 2 Jalen McKee-Rodriguez.

Mayor Ron Nirenburg says the MRC, helps the city maintain order.

“We can protect public safety, and we can treat people with basic dignity and compassion at the same time, which is what the MRC is doing,” said Mayor Nirenburg.