The Texas Tribune reported today that a recent surge in migrant encounters showed a daily average of 2,254, with more than 2.4 million migrants having crossed the border this year.
Amid this record surge in migrants, Texas is facing a record freeze. For the thousands of migrants living in the streets of Texas cities from El Paso to Houston, freezing temperatures could have deadly consequences.
With Texas cities’ shelters already flooded with migrants from the southern border, other homeless individuals may also find it difficult to find a warm place to stay.
The mortal danger of freezing temperatures lives fresh in many Texans’ minds. During the Texas February 2021 freeze, an unprecedented cold snap crippled much of the state’s electricity infrastructure. The February freeze engulfed the state, knocking out power in houses for extended periods and killing hundreds. An estimated 246 Texans were killed by freeze-related causes, according to The Texas Tribune’s reporting on data gathered by the Department of State Health Services.
Despite the challenges, Catholic groups such as the Hope Border Institute and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are rising to the occasion.
“We’re working as quickly as possible with our government and NGO partners as well as diverse faith communities to ensure we get people indoors and into safety,” Corbett told CNA. “It’s a challenge for sure, but one we can meet as a community. With hard work and the eyes of faith, this moment can be a Christmas blessing for all of us.”
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