34 Workers at BP’s Tucson Migrant Facility Face Job Cuts

In an alarming turn of events, 107 employees at three Tucson Sector Border Patrol facilities learned they would be laid off due to a significant reduction in federal spending and a declining need for their services. The layoffs, announced by LUKE Holding Inc., come as part of the federal WARN Act, which mandates a 60-day notice before mass layoffs.

Among those affected, 34 staff members operated at the “soft-sided” facility on East Los Reales Road, 19 at the Nogales Border Patrol station, and 54 at the Yuma Border Patrol station. The company, which has received around $30 million in federal contracts for medical care operations, cited ongoing changes in border management as a factor in the staff reductions.

Last week, the company also disclosed plans to lay off over 600 workers at its Texas facilities, responding to federal demands for staff reductions. The temporary processing facility in Tucson had been established to accommodate migrant families and unaccompanied minors amid increasing border encounters, which had been on the rise due to economic upheavals exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Constructed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2021, the 80,000-square-foot facility included sleeping areas, dining spaces, portable showers, and play areas for children. However, a dramatic decline in migrant apprehensions has prompted CBP to reassess the need for these temporary processing sites.

In recent months, apprehensions have fallen significantly, dropping over 87% compared to the previous year, following new asylum regulations implemented by the Biden administration. A CBP spokesperson noted that the reduction in apprehensions necessitated the downsizing of temporary facilities, as swift removals of apprehended individuals are now possible.

After apprehension in the Tucson Sector, individuals may be transferred to the Nogales Processing Center or the Border Patrol station in Douglas. Those facing charges for illegal entry might be detained at the Tucson Sector headquarters. With resources being redirected, CBP aims to enhance its operational control along the southwest border.

In a related move, CBP recently launched a revamped mobile application called CBP Home, designed to facilitate voluntary departures for individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. This tool replaces the previous CBP One app and aims to promote lawful migration processes.

Since its introduction, more than 936,500 migrants have used the previous CBP One platform for appointment scheduling, significantly reducing their dependence on dangerous smuggling routes. By offering a pathway for orderly exits, the CBP Home app aligns with the Biden administration’s objective to manage migration safely and efficiently.

While applauding the new app, critics argue that it undermines Congressional mandates. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem remarked on the implications of the app, emphasizing that those who choose not to use this option may face deportation and potential long-term bans from re-entering the U.S.

The ongoing shifts in enforcement practices and facility operations reflect a broader evolution in the U.S. approach to immigration, emphasizing the need for adaptability amid changing circumstances at the border.