In a surprising turn of events, Mississippi officials have come out strongly against a plan to house migrant children at the old Harrah’s Tunica hotels. The proposal, which was put forward by the Biden administration as a temporary solution to the overcrowding at border detention facilities, has been met with fierce opposition from state lawmakers who argue that the safety and well-being of these children cannot be guaranteed in such a setting.
The two hotels, which have been vacant for several years after the closure of the Harrah’s Tunica Casino, were identified as potential sites for housing migrant children due to their close proximity to the border and the large number of rooms available. However, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves and other state officials have raised concerns about the condition of the buildings and the lack of infrastructure to support such a large influx of children.
In a statement released earlier this week, Governor Reeves expressed his deep reservations about the plan, stating that “While we sympathize with the plight of these children, we simply cannot support a proposal that puts their safety and well-being at risk. The old Harrah’s Tunica hotels are not suitable for housing vulnerable children, and we urge the Biden administration to reconsider their decision.”
The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services has also voiced its opposition to the plan, citing concerns about the lack of adequate facilities to provide necessary services for the children, including medical care and education. Agency officials have stated that they do not have the resources or expertise to handle such a large influx of migrant children and are worried about the potential impact on their own caseloads.
In response to the backlash from state officials, the Biden administration has indicated that they are exploring alternative options for housing the migrant children, including the use of other vacant facilities in neighboring states. However, the issue remains a contentious one, with advocates for migrant rights arguing that the children are in desperate need of shelter and should not be turned away.
As the debate continues to unfold, it is clear that the situation at the border remains a complex and challenging one. While the Biden administration grapples with how best to address the growing number of migrant children arriving at the border, state officials in Mississippi are standing firm in their opposition to the plan to house them at the old Harrah’s Tunica hotels. Only time will tell how this contentious issue will ultimately be resolved.
