How Did Trump-Era Policies Affect San Diego’s Migrant Shelters?

The closure of a prominent San Diego migrant shelter, indicative of broader changes in asylum-seeker numbers, highlights the long-term impact of Trump-era policies on U.S. migration dynamics.

Quick Takes

A large migrant shelter in San Diego, operated by Catholic Charities, is closing due to a drop in asylum seekers.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel will cease operations as a migrant shelter and revert to its original function.
Jewish Family Service’s center closure resulted in laying off 115 employees due to federal policy changes.
The CBP One app downtime has affected asylum seeker intake.
U.S. Border Patrol reports a 95% decline in migrant encounters year-over-year as of February.

San Diego Shelter Closures Highlight Policy Impact

San Diego is witnessing substantial changes as a key migrant shelter, operated by Catholic Charities, is set to close. This closure is attributed to a significant drop in asylum-seeker numbers since the Trump administration’s policy implementations. The facility in question, housed in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley, will return to its original commercial hotel function, indicating a broader trend of tightened borders and reduced migration.

The Jewish Family Service of San Diego has also felt the repercussions, closing its facility and laying off 115 staff members. This move follows changes in federal funding and policy. The San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) Migrant Shelter Services paused its operations due to similar challenges, compounded by the discontinuation of the “CBP One” app that facilitated migrant appointments at ports of entry.

Federal Policy and Funding Concerns

Federal policy shifts have placed additional strain on organizations supporting migrant communities. Jewish Family Service of San Diego emphasized their commitment to adapting their services. “Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is working to meet the evolving needs of the community in response to recent and anticipated federal policy changes,” according to their statement.

The “CBP One” app being non-operational since late January significantly curbed migrant inflow, aligning with federal measures aimed at tightening immigration pathways. By December’s end, more than 936,000 migrants utilized the app, highlighting its essential role before its discontinuation. Although funding claims have persisted, the migrant support organizations reportedly received over $22 million in FEMA taxpayer funds in fiscal year 2024.

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

Major Shelter Adjustments Beyond San Diego

Adjustments in response to reduced asylum seekers aren’t limited to San Diego. New York City and Denver have also scaled back migrant aid services, consolidating resources and reducing shelter operations. In February, a Manhattan shelter closed as the number of migrants decreased, and the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City observed a reduction in demand, leading to service integrations in other areas to optimize support.

In Denver, four shelters have closed, consolidating services to cut costs while focusing on sustainable, long-term solutions in light of decreasing migrant inflow numbers. The shifting landscape underlines the significant effect federal policies have on local communities trying to provide immediate aid and support.