Today’s decision to allocate $3 million local taxpayer dollars from the County of San Diego’s budget towards migrants dropped by the border patrol is deeply disappointing. While I recognize the humanitarian aspects of this issue, I firmly disagree with its implications for our community.
The $3 million allocated for non-U.S. citizens is County tax dollars – money that should be used to address pressing issues within our county. Our community faces challenges such as homelessness, deteriorating roads, and mental health crises that demand immediate attention and resources. These issues should be the focus of county tax dollars as they directly impact the lives of San Diego County residents.
San Diego County is averaging nearly 600 migrants being street released daily. If this trend continues, by the end of the year, we are projected to have over 52,000 migrants street released in our region. This situation is simply unsustainable for our community, both financially and logistically.
The decision to use County funds for non-U.S. Citizens means that we are shouldering the responsibility of the federal government. While compassion for those seeking refuge is essential, it should not come at the expense of our residents, who depend on these funds for their well-being and the betterment of our community.
Our duty as elected officials is to make responsible and sustainable decisions that prioritize the needs of our residents. This decision to allocate $3 million towards asylum-seeking migrants when our resources are stretched thin is not in the best interest of our county and its residents.
This is no way to run a government.
