The Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), a non-governmental organization that has operated a regional migrant shelter for over six years, is closing its facility and laying off 115 employees. This decision comes in response to recent federal policy changes under the Trump administration, notably the shutdown of the CBP One phone app on January 20, which has resulted in a cessation of new asylum-seeking families and individuals arriving at the shelter.
The CBP One app, initially created during the first Trump administration to assist with scheduling cargo inspections, was expanded in 2023 to allow migrants to make appointments at ports of entry. This expansion aimed to facilitate lawful entry into the U.S., especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the recent policy shift has led to the app's termination, effectively halting new arrivals at facilities like the JFS shelter.
In a statement, JFS expressed that due to these changes in federal funding and policy, the San Diego Rapid Response Network Migrant Shelter Services, operated by JFS, will be paused until there is a better understanding of future community needs. Despite the shelter's closure, JFS plans to continue focusing its immigration efforts on providing pro bono legal services and community support resources.
CEO Michael Hopkins noted, "We've been preparing for these changes in federal policies and enforcement. While there are no longer individuals or families seeking asylum released from short-term federal immigration custody to our Shelter Services, we are seeing increased needs for immigration legal assistance and other social service supports to vulnerable San Diegans."
Since its inception in 2018, the JFS-operated shelter has assisted approximately 200,000 migrants passing through San Diego County, offering temporary shelter, meals, and transportation to their final destinations across the U.S. The recent policy changes have not only impacted the shelter's operations but have also led to significant job losses, with 115 employees being laid off as a direct consequence.
As the situation continues to evolve, JFS remains committed to collaborating with community partners to explore new ways to offer assistance and address the emerging needs resulting from these federal policy adjustments.
