San Diego is facing one of the most significant humanitarian crisis in recent years, driven by a surge in migration and a critical shortage of resources to support new arrivals. As one of the busiest border crossings in the world, San Ysidro has become a focal point for migrants not only from Latin America, but also from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, all seeking safety and opportunity in the United States.
Mass Releases and Social Challenges
Each day, between 500 and 700 immigrants are released in San Ysidro after being processed in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detention centers. These releases often occur with little notice and minimal support, placing a heavy burden on local communities and humanitarian organizations.
Migrants are transported in overcrowded buses, sometimes with up to 50 people per vehicle. Upon release, they enter a legal removal process led by CBP that may take years to resolve. During this extended period, many are left in a state of legal and social uncertainty. Some may have sponsors or family in other parts of the U.S., but many are left with nowhere to go, limited financial resources, and no clear plan for the future.
Nonprofits have also reported a rise in vulnerable populations arriving at the border, including pregnant women, unaccompanied minors, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. These groups require immediate medical care, safe housing, and personalized assistance—resources that are becoming increasingly scarce.
Resource Crisis and Service Breakdown
In 2023, $6 million was allocated for migrant assistance, enabling the operation of a welcome center that supported 81,000 immigrants with food, shelter, and basic care. However, these funds have already been depleted, leaving many without access to essential services, further exacerbating the vulnerability of these communities.
In 2023, San Diego County received $6 million in federal funds to support migrant assistance. These funds allowed the establishment of a welcome center, which provided food, temporary shelter, medical care, and legal orientation to over 81,000 individuals. However, these funds were exhausted by early 2024, forcing several centers to scale back services or shut down entirely.
Today, most humanitarian aid depends on donations and volunteer efforts. With rising demand and limited capacity, waiting lists grow longer, and many newly arrived migrants are left without shelter or basic support. The continuous influx of people, combined with insufficient federal assistance, has led to the breakdown of vital services.
Schools and social service agencies are seeing an uptick in newly enrolled children who arrive without medical records or stable housing. This increases pressure on already overburdened systems, and creates challenges in providing consistent education and care.
In addition, the legal uncertainty surrounding these migrants often results in mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Many live in constant fear of deportation or family separation, with no access to psychological support or legal representation.
Ripple Effects on Local Communities
The strain is also being felt across the broader San Diego community. Hospitals and emergency clinics report overcrowding, while shelters are operating at full capacity. Some health centers have begun turning away non-emergency cases due to staff shortages and lack of resources.
A Necessary and Structural Solution to this Humanitarian Crisis
Experts agree that this is not a short-term challenge that can be resolved with temporary fixes. A long-term, structural strategy is needed—one that addresses not only the logistical aspects of migration management, but also the root causes of displacement, such as violence, poverty, political instability, and climate-related disasters in migrants’ home countries.
Increased collaboration between local, state, and federal governments is essential to creating a sustainable and humane response. Federal agencies must play a more active role in supporting border cities like San Diego, which are absorbing the brunt of the migration crisis without proportional resources.
The humanitarian crisis happening in San Diego is more than a logistical challenge—it is a humanitarian test for the nation. The way we respond will define not only our border policies, but also our values as a country.