How Trump’s Policies Are Shaping San Diego’s Migrant Shelter Needs

San Diego’s closure of major migrant shelters highlights the impact of Trump’s policy changes on immigration.

Key Takeaways

A San Diego migrant shelter is closing due to a sharp drop in asylum seekers since Trump’s presidency.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel will cease its function as a shelter, returning to its original purpose.
The Jewish Family Service of San Diego also closed its center, resulting in layoffs due to federal policy changes.
The CBP One app, crucial for immigrant parole, is down, impacting asylum seeker intake.
US Border Patrol observed a 95% decrease in migrant encounters in February year-over-year.

Significant Shelter Closures in San Diego

A major migrant shelter in San Diego, operated by Catholic Charities, is closing due to a significant reduction in asylum seeker arrivals—a trend stemming from policy revisions during President Trump’s administration. These policy changes have led to a decreased need for shelters such as the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley, which will revert to its original function. These closures reveal the direct impact of policy shifts on the operational landscape of local support structures and their ability to assist newcomers.

The Jewish Family Service of San Diego has also been affected, leading to the closure of its center and the layoff of 115 employees. This decision is largely influenced by changes in federal funding and policy. The organization is now shifting its focus to providing pro bono legal services and community resources.

San Diego migrant shelter shuts down and lays off 115 employees after receiving ZERO new illegals since President Trump took office. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hfGXwk4Mo4

— Jake H (@jake22_h) April 2, 2025

Technical Difficulties and Their Impact

The shutdown of the CBP One app, which facilitated appointments for immigrant parole, has compounded the challenges faced by asylum seekers. Since its discontinuation on January 20, there has been a noticeable drop in new asylum seeker entries into the U.S. This decline is further exacerbated by a reported 95% reduction in migrant encounters year-over-year as of February, according to U.S. Border Patrol. The technical difficulties experienced by the CBP One app underscore how crucial logistical tools are in managing migration effectively.

The San Diego Rapid Response Network Migrant Shelter Services has also halted its operations. This pause not only highlights the impact of policy and funding changes but also raises questions about the allocation and application of resources. Despite reports of lacking funds, the organization received over $22 million from FEMA in fiscal year 2024, sparking discussions on the financial management of taxpayer dollars in such contexts.

Wider Implications Across the Nation

This trend is not confined to San Diego. Nationally, there are similar reductions in shelter utilization, as evidenced by the closure of migrant shelters in Manhattan and Denver. In New York City, the Roosevelt Hotel shelter shows decreased registrations with efforts now aimed at integrating services across other areas. Denver has also reduced its operations, closing four shelters to streamline costs. These instances highlight a national movement towards reevaluating and consolidating resources amidst changing migration dynamics.

As fewer migrants seek asylum, cities across the United States are readjusting, reflecting a significant shift in the management and provision of migrant services. This landscape demonstrates the profound and immediate effects that federal policies can have on local communities and services dedicated to supporting migrants throughout their integration journeys.