In a recent announcement that resonated within the San Diego County’s administrative offices, a decision was made to allocate $3 million of local taxpayer dollars towards asylum-seeking migrants. While the intent behind this allocation undeniably stems from a place of compassion and humanity, Supervisor Jim Desmond voices a significant, and indeed, a deeply rooted concern.
Desmond’s disappointment is not an isolated sentiment but echoes the frustrations and apprehensions of many residents of San Diego County. It brings to the pressing question – are the immediate needs of the county’s own residents being overshadowed in the process?
It is a fact not lost on Desmond that the $3 million, originates from the county tax dollars. This is money that, in his view, should be devoted to alleviating the pressing issues impacting the county – homelessness, deteriorating roads, and mental health crises, to name a few. These are not abstract challenges but tangible, everyday struggles that directly and profoundly impact the lives of the county’s residents.
Desmond draws attention to a staggering figure – San Diego County is witnessing an average of nearly 600 migrants being street released daily. Project this trend to year-end, and the region is looking at over 52,000 migrants street released. The Supervisor does not mince his words – this situation is “simply unsustainable” for the community, both financially and logistically.
In his role as an elected official, Desmond underscores a fundamental duty – to make responsible and sustainable decisions that prioritize the needs of the county’s residents. The allocation of $3 million towards asylum-seeking migrants, especially at a time when resources are stretched thin, strikes him as a decision that veers away from this crucial obligation.
Desmond’s message is clear and resonant – while the humanitarian aspect of the issue is acknowledged, the implications for the community cannot be overlooked. It is a dialogue that seeks a balanced and equitable distribution of resources, where the needs of the county’s residents are not relegated to the background. In his words, this is not merely a matter of policy but a testament to how a government should be run – with foresight, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of its residents.
Statement from Supervisor Jim Desmond on the Allocation of County Funds for Asylum Seeking Migrants
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.
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