Migrant Shelters at US-Mexico Border See Fewer Arrivals but Longer Stays

Deterred by Trump administration's hardline policies, fewer migrants are reaching the border, but those who do are staying much longer at shelters in Ciudad Juárez

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Migrant shelters in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, across the border from El Paso, Texas, are operating at only 20% capacity as fewer migrants are arriving due to fears over the Trump administration's immigration policies. However, those who do make it to the border are staying much longer at the shelters, in some cases up to 9 months, as they find themselves stranded with no legal pathways to cross into the United States. The shelters are struggling to meet the needs of these long-term residents, who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and despair over their dashed hopes.

Why it matters

The drastic reduction in migrant flows to the US-Mexico border, coupled with migrants staying much longer at shelters, highlights the significant impact of the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies. This is straining the resources of migrant shelters in border cities like Ciudad Juárez, which are now having to provide long-term care and support for a population facing trauma, mental health issues, and an uncertain future.

The details

Since Trump took office in 2025, his administration's moves to close the US-Mexico border to refugees and asylum-seekers have upended the lives of countless migrants. Deterred by the rhetoric and policies, fewer migrants are arriving in Ciudad Juárez, with shelters operating at only 20% capacity. However, those who do make it to the border are often stranded, unable to legally cross into the US. Migrants are staying in shelters for months, sometimes up to 9 months, as they struggle to find work and housing. This is straining shelter resources, with some international donors cutting back funding. Migrants face depression, anxiety, and despair, with some becoming suicidal, as their life plans are disrupted.

  • In January 2025, President Donald Trump took office and began implementing policies to close the US-Mexico border.
  • In 2019, Ciudad Juárez became a major port of entry for migrants, leading to a surge in shelter usage.
  • In late January 2026, police in Juárez freed 21 migrants who were being held against their will by smugglers.

The players

Fr. Francisco Javier Bueno Guillén

A priest of the Diocese of Ciudad Juárez who serves as director general of the Casa del Migrante migrant shelter.

Iveth Marin

A staff member with Jesuit Refugee Services in Juárez, which provides psychological, social, and other support to migrants.

Santiago Gonzalez Reyes

The director of human rights for Ciudad Juárez.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose administration implemented hardline immigration policies that have impacted migrant flows to the US-Mexico border.

A Venezuelan migrant

A man from Venezuela who traveled to Juárez with his wife and two children in the hopes of reaching the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We don't migrate because we want to. It's out of need.”

— A Venezuelan migrant (National Catholic Reporter)

“We all have the responsibility to welcome people, to protect, promote and integrate as Pope Francis said. I think it's our responsibility as Christians.”

— Iveth Marin, Staff member, Jesuit Refugee Services (National Catholic Reporter)

“We try to make the house a dignified space for the people who seek it. It's called the Casa del Migrante for a reason. It's a casa, a home. The most important thing we want to do is really make this a place where we can attend to the needs of people and meet the integral needs of the whole human person.”

— Fr. Francisco Javier Bueno Guillén, Director General, Casa del Migrante (National Catholic Reporter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This crisis at the US-Mexico border highlights the human toll of hardline immigration policies, as migrants who risked everything to seek a better life now find themselves stranded and struggling with mental health issues. It underscores the need for a more compassionate, comprehensive approach to immigration that prioritizes the dignity and wellbeing of all people.